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In Aldehydes and Ketones, carbon of carbonyl group is ____________?

Correct answer: B. sp2 hybridised

  • A. sp3 hybridised
  • B. sp2 hybridised
  • C. sp hybridised
  • D. Unhybridised

Explanation

The carbonyl carbon forms three sigma bonds in a trigonal planar arrangement and has an unhybridised p orbital for the pi bond, so it is sp2 hybridised. It is not sp3 because that geometry would be tetrahedral and would not provide the carbonyl pi bond. Students may choose sp because carbon has a multiple bond, but sp hybridisation produces a linear arrangement.

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About Reactivity of Aldehydes and Ketones

The polar carbonyl group makes aldehydes and ketones undergo nucleophilic addition, reduction and condensation reactions. Aldehydes are generally more reactive and oxidise readily to carboxylic acids, whereas ketones resist mild oxidation; reactions with hydrogen cyanide, sodium bisulfite and 2,4-DNP help identify their behaviour.

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