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

Options

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

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. Each carbon atom in benzene is bonded to one hydrogen atom and is involved in alternating single and double bonds with adjacent carbon atoms.

### Step 2: Identify the Hybridization of Carbon Atoms
In benzene, each carbon atom is `sp²` hybridized. This means that each carbon atom uses one `s` orbital and two `p` orbitals to form three equivalent `sp²` hybrid orbitals. The remaining `p` orbital (the unhybridized one) is used to form a π bond, contributing to the delocalized π system of the benzene ring.

### Step 3: Count the Number of Carbon Atoms
Benzene has a total of six carbon atoms. Since each carbon atom is `sp²` hybridized, we can calculate the total number of `sp²` hybrid orbitals.

### Step 4: Calculate the Total Number of `sp²` Hybrid Orbitals
Each carbon atom contributes three `sp²` hybrid orbitals. Therefore, for six carbon atoms:
\[ \text{Total } sp² \text{ hybrid orbitals} = 6 \text{ (carbon atoms)} \times 3 \text{ (sp² orbitals per carbon)} = 18 \]

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

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