Question

What is the difference between the hybridization of carbon atoms’ valence orbitals in saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons?

a) Saturated hydrocarbons have sp³ hybridization; unsaturated hydrocarbons have sp² or sp hybridization.
b) Saturated hydrocarbons have sp² or sp hybridization; unsaturated hydrocarbons have sp³ hybridization.
c) Both saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons have sp³ hybridization.
d) Both saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons have sp² or sp hybridization.

Answer 1

Saturated hydrocarbons have sp³ hybridization; unsaturated hydrocarbons have sp² or sp hybridization.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between the hybridization of carbon atoms' valence orbitals in saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons is the following:

Saturated hydrocarbons have sp³ hybridization where the carbon atom has three hybrid orbitals and one unhybridized p orbital. These hybrid orbitals are used to form sigma bonds with other atoms.

Unsaturated hydrocarbons have sp² or sp hybridization where the carbon atom has two or one hybrid orbital(s), respectively, and two unhybridized p orbitals. The sp² hybrid orbitals are used to form sigma bonds, while the unhybridized p orbitals form pi bonds.