What is the approximate hybridization state of the oxygen molecule in ethanol,C₂H₅OH? A)sp B)sp² C)sp³ D)p³ E)d²sp³

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In ethanol, the oxygen atom is bonded to two carbon atoms and one hydrogen atom. The two carbon atoms are sp3 hybridized, meaning they have four hybrid orbitals in a tetrahedral geometry. The oxygen atom will form a sigma bond with each of the carbon atoms using two of its hybrid orbitals, and will form a sigma bond with the hydrogen using its remaining hybrid orbital. The lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom will be present in two unhybridized p orbitals perpendicular to the plane of the three sigma bonds. Therefore, the approximate hybridization state of the oxygen atom in ethanol is sp2p1 or sp3p1, which can be simplified to sp3S1P1 or sp2S1P1. Among the given choices, the best match is C, where the oxygen atom is hybridized as spS1P13S1P0.

What Is the Approximate Hybridization State of the Oxygen Molecule