Question

Which of the following molecules contain hybrid orbitals with 25% 's' character?

• A. Ethylene
• B. Boron trifluoride
• C. Acetylene
• D. Methane

Hint:

In \(sp^3\) hybridization, there is 25% \(s\)-character, as seen in methane. Other molecules with \(sp^2\) or \(sp\) hybridization have different percentages of \(s\)-character.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding hybridization.
Hybridization is the process of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals. Methane (\(CH_4\)) involves \(sp^3\) hybridization, which has 25% \(s\)-character and 75% \(p\)-character.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Ethylene: Incorrect. Ethylene involves \(sp^2\) hybridization, with 33.33% \(s\)-character.
(B) Boron trifluoride: Incorrect. Boron trifluoride involves \(sp^2\) hybridization as well.
(C) Acetylene: Incorrect. Acetylene involves \(sp\) hybridization, which has 50% \(s\)-character.
(D) Methane: Correct — Methane involves \(sp^3\) hybridization, which has 25% \(s\)-character.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) Methane, as it contains hybrid orbitals with 25% \(s\)-character.