Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about hybridization is true?
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1. A Review of General Chemistry
Hybridization
Multiple Choice
In the indigo molecule, what type of hybrid orbitals are used by the carbon atoms?
A
hybrid orbitals
B
Unhybridized orbitals only
C
hybrid orbitals
D
hybrid orbitals
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the bonding environment of carbon atoms in the indigo molecule. Indigo contains conjugated double bonds and aromatic rings, which influence the hybridization of carbon atoms.
Step 2: Recall that carbon atoms forming double bonds or participating in aromatic systems typically use \(s p^{2}\) hybrid orbitals. This allows for three sigma bonds in a trigonal planar arrangement and one unhybridized \(p\) orbital for pi bonding.
Step 3: Understand that \(s p^{3}\) hybridization corresponds to tetrahedral geometry with single bonds only, which is not the case for carbons in indigo due to the presence of double bonds and conjugation.
Step 4: Recognize that unhybridized \(p\) orbitals alone are not sufficient to describe the bonding framework of carbon atoms in indigo, as sigma bonds require hybrid orbitals.
Step 5: Conclude that the carbon atoms in indigo use \(s p^{2}\) hybrid orbitals to form sigma bonds and maintain the planar structure necessary for conjugation and aromaticity.
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