Hybridisation of oxygen in diethyl ether is

Options

A. sp
B. `sp^2`
C. `sp^3`
D. `sp^3d`

Answer

To determine the hybridization of oxygen in diethyl ether, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Structure of Diethyl Ether
Diethyl ether has the chemical formula \( C_2H_5OC_2H_5 \). Its structure can be represented as:
```
H H
\ /
C
/ \
H C
\ /
O
/ \
C C
/ \
H H
```
In this structure, the oxygen atom is bonded to two ethyl groups (C2H5).

### Step 2: Count the Bond Pairs and Lone Pairs on Oxygen
- The oxygen atom in diethyl ether is bonded to two carbon atoms (one from each ethyl group), which counts as two bond pairs.
- Oxygen also has two lone pairs of electrons.

### Step 3: Apply the Hybridization Formula
According to the hybridization theory, the hybridization can be determined using the formula:
\[ \text{Hybridization} = \text{Number of Bond Pairs} + \text{Number of Lone Pairs} \]

In this case:
- Number of Bond Pairs = 2 (from the two C-O bonds)
- Number of Lone Pairs = 2 (the lone pairs on oxygen)

So, we have:
\[ \text{Hybridization} = 2 + 2 = 4 \]

### Step 4: Determine the Hybridization Type
The hybridization type corresponding to a total of 4 (2 bond pairs + 2 lone pairs) is \( sp^3 \).

### Conclusion
Thus, the hybridization of oxygen in diethyl ether is \( sp^3 \).

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