Question

The number of $$s{p}^2$$ hybrid orbitals in a molecule of benzene is:
A.12
B.24
C.18
D.6

Answer 1

Hint: Hybridization can be understood as mixing of orbitals of a given chemical species to form new orbitals. These new orbitals are known as hybrid orbitals. These newly formed hybrid orbitals have different energy levels, shapes, etc. as compared to the original orbitals it is made from.

Complete step by step answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of the given question, let us first understand some important basic concepts.
-Hybridization is necessary to understand the types of bonds that the bonding atoms form. Hybridization translates into formation of hybrid orbitals with lower energy levels that the parent orbitals. This enables the bond to be more stable because of the low energy profile.
Now, we can determine the hybridization of a molecule on the basis of its Lewis structure. In order to do that, we must follow these steps:
Select the atom we need to determine the hybridization for.
1.Count the number of atoms that are bonded to this atom.
2.Then count the number of lone pairs present on the given atom
Add these two values and cross check with the data below:
If the sum is 2, then the hybridization is sp.
If the sum is 3, then the hybridization is $$s{p}^2$$
If the sum is 4, then the hybridization is $$s{p}^3$$
Benzene is made up of 2 elements, carbon, and hydrogen. The molecular structure of benzene can be described as a hexagonal ring with carbon atoms at each vertex of the hexagon bonded together by alternating double bonds. One hydrogen atom is attached to each carbon atom. The molecular structure of benzene can be given as:

We can observe that each carbon atom in the benzene ring forms 3 atoms bonded to every carbon atom, also there are no lone pairs present on any carbon atom. Hence, all the carbon atoms in the benzene ring are $$s{p}^2$$ hybridised.
Hence, the total number of hybridized orbitals is [(6 atoms) (3 orbitals)] = 18 hybridized orbitals.

Hence, Option C is the correct option.

Note:
Hybridization lets us explain the valence shell electron pair repulsion theory. This theory helps us to predict the geometrical structures of individual molecules on the basis of the number of pairs of electrons that surround the central atoms.