Final answer:
The hybridization state of the charged carbon in an SN1 reaction is c. sp2
Step-by-step explanation:
In an SN1 reaction, the carbon atom forms a carbocation, which is a charged carbon species with a positive charge. The carbon atom in the carbocation has three sigma bonds and one empty p orbital. This arrangement of the bonds and orbitals is characteristic of sp2 hybridization.
For example, in the SN1 reaction of the compound R-X (where R is an alkyl group and X is a leaving group), the leaving group X dissociates, leaving behind a carbocation R+ with an sp2 hybridized carbon atom. So therefore in this reaction, the charged carbon atom is formed when the leaving group departs, leaving behind an unstable carbocation. Since the carbon atom only has three bonds and an empty p orbital, it is considered sp2 hybridized. The correct answer is c. sp2