Q53 / 200 · NEET 2006 · Chemistry

The correct order regarding the electronegativity of hybrid orbitals of carbon is:

  • A
    $s p < s p^2 < s p^3$
  • B
    $s p>s p^2 < s p^3$
  • Correct answer
    C
    $s p>s p^2>s p^3$
  • D
    $s p < s p^2>s p^3$

Solution

In $s p, s p^2$ and $s p^3$ hybrid orbitals, the $s$-orbital character is $50 \%, 33.3 \%$ and $25 \%$, respectively, and because of the higher $s$-orbital character, electronegativity, increases. Related Theory The electrons of $s p^3$ hybridized atom are farther from the nucleus than those in $s p^2$ hybridized species. Therefore, $s p^2$ hybrid species are more stable than $s p^3$ hybrid species. This is because the stability is greater when the electrons are close to the nucleus.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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