Workbook #2.45

[Diego Salgues 2K]

Hey,

For Workbook Problem #2.45, how do we determine the sigma bond between O and C is (C2sp^2, O2sp^2) while the pi bond is (C2p, O2p)?

Thanks,

D

[Joanna Zhao 1J]

Hello! We can observe that both the C has trigonal planar electronic geometry, which means that they are sp2 hybridized. By conservation of four orbitals in the n = 2 shell, that means each C has three sp2 hybridized orbitals (because one s and two p orbitals are contributing) and one unhybridized 2p orbital. C's three bonds to atoms are done by the three sp2 orbitals. The double bond between C and O, is a result of the two atoms being bound by more than one covalent bond so the additional orbitals (the unhybridized 2p orbittals) overlap side-by-side to form pi bonds and that's why the pi bond is (C2p, O2p).