Chemistry Q&A

What is the hybridisation of carbon in ethene?

Answer

Each carbon atom in ethene (C₂H₄) is sp² hybridised.

Each carbon forms three σ bonds: two C–H and one C–C, with no lone pair → steric number 3 → sp².

The second bond of C=C is a π bond formed by sideways overlap of unhybridised 2p orbitals.

Hence ethene is planar around each carbon with ~120° bond angles.

Example · Ethyne (C₂H₂) carbons are sp; ethane (C₂H₆) carbons are sp³.

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