Number of `sp^2` hybrid orbitals in Benzene is

Options

A. 18
B. 24
C. 6
D. 12

Answer

To determine the number of `sp²` hybrid orbitals in benzene, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Benzene
Benzene (C₆H₆) is a cyclic compound consisting of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal ring, with alternating single and double bonds. Each carbon atom is bonded to one hydrogen atom.

### Step 2: Identify the Hybridization of Carbon in Benzene
In benzene, each carbon atom undergoes `sp²` hybridization. This means that one `s` orbital and two `p` orbitals from each carbon atom combine to form three equivalent `sp²` hybrid orbitals.

### Step 3: Count the Number of Carbon Atoms
Benzene has six carbon atoms in its structure.

### Step 4: Calculate the Total Number of `sp²` Hybrid Orbitals
Since each carbon atom forms three `sp²` hybrid orbitals, we can calculate the total number of `sp²` hybrid orbitals in benzene by multiplying the number of carbon atoms by the number of `sp²` hybrid orbitals formed by each carbon atom.

\[ \text{Total } sp² \text{ hybrid orbitals} = \text{Number of carbon atoms} \times \text{sp² hybrid orbitals per carbon} \]
\[ \text{Total } sp² \text{ hybrid orbitals} = 6 \times 3 = 18 \]

### Conclusion
The total number of `sp²` hybrid orbitals in benzene is **18**.

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