Question

For each of the following molecules, indicate the hybridization requested and whether or not the electrons will be delocalized:

a) Benzene (C₆H₆)
b) Ethene (C₂H₄)
c) Acetylene (C₂H₂)
d) Methane (CH₄)

Answer 1

In benzene, carbon atoms are sp² hybridized with delocalized electrons. Ethene has sp² hybridized carbons without delocalization. Acetylene features sp hybridized carbons, also without delocalization, while methane is sp³ hybridized with no delocalization.

Step-by-step explanation:

For each molecule, the hybridization of carbon atoms and the presence of delocalized electrons are as follows:

• Benzene (C₆H₆): The carbon atoms in benzene are sp² hybridized. The pi bonding electrons in benzene are delocalized around the ring, allowing for additional stabilization of the molecule.
• Ethene (C₂H₄): The carbon atoms in ethene are sp² hybridized, but the electrons in the double bond are not delocalized since ethene doesn't have a ring structure for delocalization to occur.
• Acetylene (C₂H₂): In acetylene, the carbon atoms are sp hybridized, and the electrons are not delocalized because acetylene contains a triple bond between the carbon atoms, which does not allow for delocalization.
• Methane (CH₄): Methane has carbon atoms that are sp³ hybridized, with no delocalization of electrons, as it is a simple molecule with single bonds only.