Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2012 2012Moderate

The alpha bond formed between carbon and oxygen atoms in aldehyde and ketone is due to the overlap of:

Correct answer: B. sp2 - sp2

  • A. sp2 - sp
  • B. sp2 - sp2
  • C. sp3 - sp2
  • D. sp - sp

Explanation

The correct answer is sp2 - sp2. In aldehydes and ketones, the carbonyl carbon atom is sp2 hybridized. It forms a sigma bond with the oxygen atom through the overlap of their sp2 hybrid orbitals. This sp2 hybridization accounts for the planar structure of the carbonyl group. Other options are incorrect because they either involve different hybridizations that do not match the structure of aldehydes and ketones or do not apply to the carbonyl group.

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About Sigma and Pi Bonds

A sigma bond forms by direct end-to-end overlap along the internuclear axis, whereas a pi bond forms by sideways overlap of parallel orbitals. The topic covers single, double and triple bonds, bond composition, restricted rotation and the relation between sigma and pi bonding and orbital hybridisation.

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