Carbon suboxide `C_(3)O_(2)` has

Options

A. Linear structure
B. Bent structure
C. Trigonal planar structure
D. Distorted tetrahedral structure

Explanation

To determine the structure of carbon suboxide (C₃O₂), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Determine the Molecular Formula
The molecular formula of carbon suboxide is given as C₃O₂. This indicates that there are three carbon atoms and two oxygen atoms in the molecule.

**Hint:** Identify the number of atoms of each element in the compound.

### Step 2: Analyze the Hybridization of Carbon Atoms
In carbon suboxide, each carbon atom is involved in forming bonds. To find the hybridization, we can use the formula:
- Hybridization = Number of sigma bonds + Number of lone pairs.

In C₃O₂, we can visualize that:
- The first carbon is bonded to the second carbon and the first oxygen.
- The second carbon is bonded to the first carbon, the third carbon, and the second oxygen.
- The third carbon is bonded to the second carbon.

Each carbon atom in C₃O₂ forms two sigma bonds, and there are no lone pairs on the carbon atoms.

**Hint:** Count the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs for hybridization.

### Step 3: Determine the Hybridization
Since each carbon atom forms two sigma bonds, the hybridization of each carbon atom can be determined as follows:
- Number of sigma bonds = 2
- Number of lone pairs = 0

Thus, the hybridization of each carbon atom is sp (since 2 sigma bonds correspond to sp hybridization).

**Hint:** Use the hybridization to determine the geometry of the molecule.

### Step 4: Determine the Molecular Geometry
The sp hybridization indicates that the geometry around each carbon atom is linear. Therefore, the overall structure of carbon suboxide (C₃O₂) is linear.

**Hint:** Remember that sp hybridization leads to a linear arrangement of atoms.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The structure of carbon suboxide (C₃O₂) is linear, and each carbon atom is sp hybridized.

**Final Answer:** Carbon suboxide (C₃O₂) has a linear structure.