Q
QuestionChemistry

What is the hybridization of the C atoms in C^2Cl^4?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step by step, focusing on determining the hybridization of carbon atoms in tetrachloroethene (C^2Cl4).

Step 2:
: Analyze the molecular structure

- C^2Cl^4 is a planar molecule with a double bond between the two carbon atoms - Each carbon atom is bonded to two chlorine atoms and the adjacent carbon atom

Step 3:
: Determine the number of electron domains around each carbon

- Total electron domains per carbon = $$2 + 2 = 4
- Double bond between carbons counts as 2 electron domains - Single bonds to chlorine atoms count as 1 electron domain each

Step 4:
: Relate electron domains to hybridization

- 4 electron domains corresponds to sp^{2} hybridization - This means: * 3 hybrid orbitals in the same plane * 1 unhybridized p orbital perpendicular to the plane

Step 5:
: Confirm bonding characteristics

* Two sigma ($$\sigma$$) bonds with chlorine atoms
- sp^{2} hybridization allows for:

Final Answer

The carbon atoms in C^2Cl^4 are sp^{2} hybridized.