Question

The state of hybridization of carbon and shape of the formaldehyde molecule, respectively are:

• A. \( sp^2 \), Trigonal planar
• B. \( sp^2 \), Tetrahedral
• C. \( sp^3 \), Trigonal planar
• D. \( sp^3 \), Tetrahedral

Hint:

In molecules with \( sp^2 \) hybridization, the central atom has three regions of electron density, leading to a trigonal planar geometry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In formaldehyde (\( \text{HCHO} \)), the carbon atom is double-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom and a methyl group (\( -CH_2 \)). This requires three regions of electron density around the carbon atom. Hence, the carbon atom undergoes \( sp^2 \) hybridization to form three sp² hybrid orbitals, which results in a trigonal planar shape.
The shape of the formaldehyde molecule is trigonal planar due to the \( sp^2 \) hybridization of the central carbon atom.