Question

For each of the following structures, determine the hybridization requested and whether the electrons will be delocalized:

a) Nitrate ion (NO₃⁻)
b) Carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻)
c) Sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻)
d) Ammonium ion (NH₄⁺)

Answer 1

The nitrate (NO₃⁻) and carbonate (CO₃²⁻) ions are sp² hybridized with delocalized electrons, sulfate (SO₄²⁻) is sp³ hybridized with delocalized electrons, and ammonium (NH₄⁺) is also sp³ hybridized but without delocalized electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

For the provided ions, we can determine their hybridization and whether their electrons are delocalized.

• Nitrate ion (NO₃⁻): Nitrogen in NO₃⁻ is sp² hybridized with one s orbital and two p orbitals contributing to the hybridization. Due to resonance, the electrons are delocalized over the three oxygen atoms.
• Carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻): Carbon in CO₃²⁻ is also sp² hybridized, and the structure exhibits delocalized electrons due to resonance through the three oxygen atoms.
• Sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻): The central sulfur atom in SO₄²⁻ is sp³ hybridized. The electrons in sulfate are delocalized over the four oxygen atoms.
• Ammonium ion (NH₄⁺): Nitrogen in NH₄⁺ is sp³ hybridized, with no delocalization, as it forms a tetrahedral structure with single bonds to four hydrogen atoms.