The hybridisation of the carbon atoms in ethene and the bond angle about each are

  • A. sp3 and 109.5 degrees
  • B. sp and 180 degrees
  • C. sp2 and 120 degrees
  • D. sp2 and 109.5 degrees

Explanation

Each carbon forms three sigma bonds using sp2 hybrids arranged in a plane at 120 degrees, and the remaining unhybridised p orbitals overlap sideways to form the pi bond. That sideways overlap is what prevents rotation and makes geometric isomerism possible. The whole ethene molecule is therefore flat.

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