Question

Studies indicate that the methyl radical is trigonal planar. Based on this, which of the following best describes the methyl radical? The carbon is sp2 hybridized and the unpaired electron occupies an sp2 orbital. The carbon is sp2 hybridized and the unpaired electron occupies a 2p orbital. The carbon is sp3 hybridized and the unpaired electron occupies an sp3 orbital. The carbon is sp3 hybridized and the unpaired electron occupies a 2p orbital.

Answer 1

The carbon is sp² hybridized and the unpaired electron occupies a 2p orbital.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central C atom has a trigonal planar geometry, so it is sp² hybridized.

The sp² bonds are formed by the hybridization of the 2s orbital with two 2p orbitals.

The unpaired electron goes into the unhybridized 2p orbital.