hybridization and geometry

Question

Hybridization of carbon in benzene is:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Definition of $sp^2$**: A central atom bonded to three other atoms with no lone pairs (or total steric number 3).
2. **Benzene Structure**: $C_6H_6$. Each carbon atom is bonded to two other carbon atoms and one hydrogen atom.
3. **Orbital Usage**: Three $sp^2$ hybrid orbitals form three $\sigma$ bonds around each carbon atom.
4. **$\pi$ System**: One unhybridized $p$-orbital remains on each carbon, perpendicular to the ring plane. These six $p$-orbitals overlap to form a delocalized $\pi$-electron cloud.
5. **Geometry**: The result is a hexagonal planar structure with bond angles of $120^\circ$.

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hybridization and geometry

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