Q3-25E-c - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

Predict the hybridization of the carbon atom in each of the following  Functional groups:

 

(c) Carboxylic acid

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(c) The hybridization of the carbon atom is ${\mathrm{sp}}^{\mathrm{2}}$ hybridization.

Step-by-Step Solution Step 1: Hybridization

The extension of valence bond theory results in the hybridization concept. The bond energies, bond formation and bond length can be understood with the help of hybridization.

Step 2: Hybridization of the carbon atom in the carboxylic acid

(c) In carboxylic acid, the carbon atom is involved in the double bond formation with the oxygen atom. Hence, the carbon atom is ${\text{sp}}^{\text{2}}$ hybridized.

Hybridization of carbon atom in carboxylic acid