Number of sp hybridized carbon atoms in the following compound is

Options

A. 2
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6

Answer

To determine the number of sp hybridized carbon atoms in a given compound, we need to analyze the structure of the compound and identify the hybridization of each carbon atom. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand Hybridization
Hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals. The type of hybridization can be determined based on the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs around the carbon atom.

- **sp Hybridization**: This occurs when the steric number (the number of sigma bonds plus lone pairs) is 2. In sp hybridization, one s orbital and one p orbital mix to form two equivalent sp hybrid orbitals, which are oriented linearly at 180°.

### Step 2: Identify the Structure of the Compound
Since the specific compound is not provided, we will outline the general approach to identify sp hybridized carbon atoms in any compound.

### Step 3: Count Sigma Bonds and Lone Pairs
For each carbon atom in the compound:
- Count the number of sigma bonds it forms with other atoms.
- Count any lone pairs of electrons present on the carbon atom.

### Step 4: Calculate the Steric Number
The steric number is calculated as follows:
\[ \text{Steric Number} = \text{Number of Sigma Bonds} + \text{Number of Lone Pairs} \]

### Step 5: Determine Hybridization
- If the steric number is 2, the carbon atom is sp hybridized.
- If the steric number is 3, the carbon atom is sp² hybridized.
- If the steric number is 4, the carbon atom is sp³ hybridized.

### Step 6: Count the sp Hybridized Carbons
Go through each carbon atom in the compound and count how many have a steric number of 2. This will give you the total number of sp hybridized carbon atoms.

### Example Application
If we were to analyze a compound like acetylene (C2H2), we would find:
- Each carbon atom forms one sigma bond with another carbon atom and one sigma bond with a hydrogen atom.
- Therefore, each carbon has a steric number of 2 (1 bond with another carbon + 1 bond with hydrogen).
- Thus, both carbon atoms in acetylene are sp hybridized.

### Final Count
After analyzing the entire compound, sum up the number of sp hybridized carbon atoms.

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