Question

The hybridization of nitrogen in pyrrole is:
A. $s{p^3}$
 B.$s{p^2}$
C.sp
D.Cannot be predicted

Answer 1

Hint: Hybridization is basically the concept of intermixing atomic orbitals with the same energy levels to give a degenerated new type of orbitals. Further, this intermixing is based on quantum mechanics.

Complete step by step answer:

The process of intermixing of atomic orbitals to obtain a new type of orbitals is known as hybridization and the new orbitals thus formed are known as hybrid orbitals.
Now, based on the types of orbitals involved in mixing, the hybridization can be classified as $s{p^3},s{p^2},sp,s{p^3}d,s{p^3}{d^2},s{p^3}{d^3}$ . Now let’s discuss a few of them.
In sp hybridization, one s and one p orbital in the main shell of an atom mix together to form two new equivalent orbitals. Each sp hybridized orbital has an equal amount of s and p character. All compounds of beryllium like $Be{F_2},Be{H_2}$ and all compounds of carbon containing double triple bonds are some of the examples. Now, in case of $s{p^2}$ hybridization, one s and two p orbitals of the same shell of an atom mix to form three equivalent orbits. It is also known as trigonal hybridization. Moreover, all the three hybrid orbitals remain in one plane and make an angle of ${120^ \circ }$ .
Now, let us consider the case of nitrogen in pyrrole molecules. Pyrrole is a heterocyclic compound with the chemical formula ${C_4}{H_4}NH$ .The hybridization of nitrogen in pyrrole is $s{p^2}$ hybridization as the lone pair of nitrogen are in conjugation (with double bond) and further making it an aromatic compound. The structure is as shown:

Hence, option B is correct.

Note:Don’t get confused with molecular and hybrid orbitals. The interactions between atomic orbitals of two different atoms result in molecular orbitals whereas when the atomic orbitals of the same atom interact then they form hybrid orbitals.