What would be the hybridization state of the two resulting carbon atoms after the C – C bond in `C_(2)H_(6)` undergoes heterolytic fission?

Options

A. `sp^(2)` both
B. `sp^(3)` both
C. `sp^(3) and sp^(3)`
D. `sp and sp^(2)`

Explanation

To determine the hybridization state of the two resulting carbon atoms after the C–C bond in C₂H₆ (ethane) undergoes heterolytic fission, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Ethane
Ethane (C₂H₆) consists of two carbon atoms bonded to each other with a single C–C bond, and each carbon atom is also bonded to three hydrogen atoms.

### Step 2: Define Heterolytic Fission
Heterolytic fission refers to the breaking of a bond in such a way that one atom retains both electrons from the bond, while the other atom receives none. In the case of the C–C bond in ethane, this means that one carbon atom will take both electrons from the bond.

### Step 3: Analyze the Resulting Species
When the C–C bond undergoes heterolytic fission, one carbon atom will become a carbanion (C with a negative charge, denoted as CH₃⁻) and the other carbon atom will become a carbocation (C with a positive charge, denoted as CH₃⁺).

### Step 4: Determine the Hybridization of Each Carbon Atom
1. **Carbanion (CH₃⁻)**:
- This carbon atom has four electron pairs (three from the C–H bonds and one lone pair from the negative charge).
- Therefore, it has a tetrahedral geometry, which corresponds to sp³ hybridization.

2. **Carbocation (CH₃⁺)**:
- This carbon atom has only three electron pairs (three from the C–H bonds) and no lone pairs.
- This results in a trigonal planar geometry, which corresponds to sp² hybridization.

### Step 5: Conclusion
After the heterolytic fission of the C–C bond in C₂H₆, the hybridization states of the resulting carbon atoms are:
- The carbanion (CH₃⁻) is sp³ hybridized.
- The carbocation (CH₃⁺) is sp² hybridized.

### Final Answer
The hybridization states of the two resulting carbon atoms after the C–C bond in C₂H₆ undergoes heterolytic fission are sp³ for the carbanion and sp² for the carbocation.

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