Question

What would be the hybridization of the Oxygen in \[{H_2}{O_2}\]?
(A) $s{p^3}d$
(B) $sp$
(C) $s{p^2}$
(D) $s{p^3}$

Answer 1

Hint:As we know that oxygen atom contains two lone pairs and two bond pairs and there are no pi-bond interactions between oxygen atoms and according to the VSEPR there is repulsion between the valence electron pairs.


Complete solution:
The Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR) is based on the idea that in all atoms there is a repulsion between the valence electron pairs and thus the atoms will appear to organize themselves in a way that minimizes this repulsion of the pair of electrons. The geometry of the resulting molecule indicates this arrangement of atoms.
(a) For option A \[s{p^3}d\]
We know the \[s{p^3}d\] hybridization is formed when one s-orbital combines with three p and one d-orbitals. Oxygen atom in hydrogen peroxide has two lone pairs and two bond pair electrons and does not have d-orbital to perform \[s{p^3}d\]. Hence the given option is wrong.
(b) For option B \[sp\]
We know the \[sp\] hybridization is formed when one s-orbital combines with one p-orbital. Oxygen atoms in hydrogen peroxide have two lone pairs and two bond pair electrons and need $2p$ orbitals to perform hybridization. Hence the given option is wrong.
(c) For option C \[s{p^2}\]
We know the \[s{p^2}\] hybridization is formed when one s-orbital combines with two p-orbitals. An Oxygen atom in hydrogen peroxide has two lone pair and two bond pair electrons and needs $2p$ orbitals to perform hybridization. Hence the given option is wrong.
(d) For option D \[s{p^3}\]
We know the \[s{p^3}\] hybridization is formed when one s-orbital combines with three p-orbitals. Oxygen atoms in hydrogen peroxide have two lone pairs and two bond pair electrons and needed $2p$orbitals to perform hybridization. Hence the given option is right.
Therefore the correct answer is (D).


Note: Always remember that the oxygen atom in hydrogen peroxide is \[s{p^3}\] hybridized because it contains two lone and two bond pairs of electrons possessing a total of eight electrons shared by the hydrogen atoms and this hybridization is the result of mixing of a $2s$ and three $2p$ orbitals.