The maximum number of carbon atoms arranged linearly in the molecule,
`CH_(3)-C-=C-CH=CH_(2)` is

Options

A. 5
B. 4
C. 2
D. 3

Answer

To determine the maximum number of carbon atoms arranged linearly in the molecule \( CH_3-C \equiv C-CH=CH_2 \), we can analyze the structure and hybridization of each carbon atom in the molecule.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure**:
The given molecule is \( CH_3-C \equiv C-CH=CH_2 \). We can break it down into its components:
- \( CH_3 \) (methyl group)
- \( C \equiv C \) (triple bond between two carbon atoms)
- \( CH \) (carbon with a double bond)
- \( CH_2 \) (carbon with two hydrogens)

2. **Determine Hybridization**:
- The carbon in \( CH_3 \) is \( sp^3 \) hybridized (single bonds).
- The carbon in the triple bond \( C \equiv C \) is \( sp \) hybridized (linear).
- The carbon in \( CH \) (attached to \( C \equiv C \) and \( CH_2 \)) is \( sp^2 \) hybridized (one double bond).
- The carbon in \( CH_2 \) is also \( sp^2 \) hybridized.

3. **Analyze Linear Arrangement**:
- The \( sp \) hybridized carbons (the ones involved in the triple bond) will be linear.
- The \( sp^2 \) hybridized carbons (the ones involved in the double bond) will be planar but can still be part of a linear arrangement if they are connected in a straight line.
- The \( sp^3 \) hybridized carbon cannot be linear due to its tetrahedral geometry.

4. **Count the Linear Carbons**:
- The two \( sp \) hybridized carbons (from the triple bond) can be counted as linear.
- The \( sp^2 \) hybridized carbon (the one connected to the double bond) can also be included in the linear arrangement.
- The \( sp^3 \) hybridized carbon cannot be counted as it disrupts linearity.

5. **Conclusion**:
The maximum number of carbon atoms that can be arranged linearly in the molecule is 3 (the two \( sp \) hybridized carbons and one \( sp^2 \) hybridized carbon).

### Final Answer:
The maximum number of carbon atoms arranged linearly in the molecule \( CH_3-C \equiv C-CH=CH_2 \) is **3**.