Q11.19 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Methyl isocyanate, is an intermediate in the manufacture of many pesticides. It received notoriety in 1984 when a leak from a manufacturing plant resulted in the death of more than 2000 people in Bhopal, India. What are the hybridizations of the N atom and the two C atoms in methyl isocyanate? Sketch the molecular shape.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

In hybridization, the number of hybrid orbitals formed is equal to the number of electron groups bonded to the central atom.

Step1: For hybridization of the N atom and the two C atoms

The Lewis dot structure of methyl isocyanate shows that the N-atom is surrounded by a 2bond pair and 1 lone pair which forms an ${\mathbf{sp}}^2$ hybrid orbital.

The C- atom of C=O is surrounded by two bond pairs which form an sp hybrid orbital.

The C-atom of C-N is surrounded by four bond pair which forms an  ${\mathbf{sp}}^{\mathbf{3}}$ hybrid orbital.

Step2: For the molecular shape of methyl isocyanate

The left carbon atom in methyl isocyanate is bonded with four bonds which give a tetrahedral shape whereas the right-side carbon atom having two double bonds gives the linear geometry.