Question

Which has sp² hybridisation?

Options

• CO₂

• N₂O

• SO₂

• CO

Answer 1

SO₂

Explanation:

SO₂ has a bent molecular shape with a bond angle close to 120°, which indicates that the sulphur atom undergoes sp² hybridisation. This hybridisation involves one s and two p orbitals combining to form three sp2 hybrid orbitals, leaving one p orbital for a pi bond, resulting in the trigonal planar electron geometry but bent molecular shape. Other molecules like CO₂ have sp hybridisation, and CO has sp hybridisation, while N₂O does not have sp² hybridisation at the central atom in a simple sense.