In which one of the following pairs do the central atoms exhibit hybridization?

Question

In which one of the following pairs do the central atoms exhibit  hybridization?

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

hybridization requires 3 electron pairs (bonds + lone pairs) on the central atom.

Step 1 — Analyse each species:

| Species | Bonds | Lone pairs | Total | Hybridization |
|---------|-------|-----------|-------|---------------|
|  | 2 | 2 | 4 | sp³ |
|  | 2 + ½ (odd e⁻) | ~1 | ~3 | sp² ✓ |
|  | 3 | 0 | 3 | sp² ✓ |
|  | 2 | 1 | 3 | sp² ✓ |
|  | 2 | 2 | 4 | sp³ |

Step 2 — Find pair where BOTH are sp²:
- Option (2):  (sp²) and  (sp²) ✓

Answer: Option (2)

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