In `CO_(2)` molecule,

Options

A. `C` is `sp`-hybridized while `O's` are `sp^(2)`-hybridized
B. `C` is `sp^(2)`-hybridized whike `O's` are `sp`-hybridized
C. both `C's` and `O's` are `sp`-hybridized
D. both `C's` and `O's` are `sp^(2)`-hybridized

Answer

A

Explanation

In `CO_(2)` molecule, `C` is `sp`-hybridized while O's are `sp^(2)`-hybridized. Two `sp`-hybridized orbitals of `C` atom overlap with `sp^(2)`-hybridized orbitals of `O` atoms to make two sigma bonds while unhybridized `p` atomic orbitals of `C` atom are involved in `p_(pi) - p_(pi)` multiple bonding with `p` atomic orbitals of oxygen atoms. As a result, unlike the dioxides of the other group `14` elements, `CO_(2)` exists in the form of discrete linear molecules:
`:overset(..)(O)=C=overset(..)(O):`