How would you react to the statement that the electronegativity of `C` on Pauling scale is `2.5` in all the carbon compounds?

Answer

The electronegativity of any given atom is not constant. Therefore, the statement that the electronegativity of `C` on Pauling scale is `2.5` in all carbon compounds is wrong. Actually, electronegativity varies with the state of hybridization and the oxidation state of the element. the electronegativity increases with increase in `%s`-character in hybridisation and also with increase in oxidation state of element. For example, the electronegativity of `C` increases as we move from `sp^(3) rarr sp^(2) rarr sp` hybridised `C` from. Similarly, the electronegativity of `C` in `+4` oxidation state is higher than where the oxdiations state of `C` is `-4`.