Ethanol has the formula CH₃CH₂OH. The oxygen atom has a ________ local molecular geometry and ________ hybridization. A) trigonal planar; sp B) tetrahedral; sp³ C) tetrahedral; sp² D) seesaw; sp² E) bent; sp³

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oxygen atom in ethanol has two lone pairs, giving it a bent molecular geometry. The hybridization of the oxygen atom is sp3, which corresponds to tetrahedral geometry. However, the presence of lone pairs causes distortion of the molecular geometry, resulting in a bent shape. Choice E is the only option that reflects this.

Ethanol Has the Formula CH3CH2OH

Ethanol Has the Formula CH₃CH₂OH