Which of the following orders regarding the electronegativity of hybrid orbital of carbon is correct?
-
sp > sp² > sp³
-
sp < sp² < sp³
-
sp > sp³ > sp²
-
sp < sp³ > sp2
The correct answer : option : (1) sp > sp² > sp³
Explanation:
Electronegativity of hybrid orbitals depends on their s-character percentage. Since s-orbitals are closer to the nucleus than p-orbitals, higher s-character increasing the electronegativity. The sp hybrid has 50% s-character, sp² has 33.3% s-character, and sp³ has 25% s-character. Therefore, sp is most electronegative, followed by sp², then sp³. It also explains why the acidity increases in the order: HC≡CH (sp) > H₂C=CH₂ (sp²) > H₃C-CH₃ (sp³).