The percentage of s character in an sp2 hybrid orbital is
- A. 25 per cent
- B. 33.3 per cent
- C. 50 per cent
- D. 100 per cent
Explanation
An sp2 hybrid is formed from one s and two p orbitals, so the s contribution is one in three. The figures for sp3 and sp are 25 and 50 per cent respectively, and greater s character holds electrons closer to the nucleus, which is why sp hybridised carbon in ethyne makes the attached hydrogen weakly acidic. Bond length also shortens as s character rises.