What is the hybridization of the central carbon atoms in an ethyne (acetylene, C2H2) molecule?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. sp
In ethyne (H-C≡C-H), each carbon atom forms a single sigma bond with a hydrogen atom and a triple bond (one sigma and two pi bonds) with the adjacent carbon atom. Each carbon atom has two electron domains (steric number = 2), requiring sp hybridization with a linear geometry and 180° bond angles.
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