Ethyne, also known as acetylene, is a simple alkyne with the chemical formula C2H2. In ethyne, each carbon atom is bonded to two other atoms: one hydrogen atom and the other carbon atom. The molecular structure of ethyne is linear, with a triple bond between the two carbon atoms.
To determine the hybridization scheme in ethyne, we need to examine the arrangement of the electron pairs around each carbon atom. In ethyne, each carbon atom is forming two sigma (σ) bonds and two pi (π) bonds. Let's explain:
- The two carbon atoms are linked by a triple bond, consisting of one sigma bond and two pi bonds. The sigma bond is formed by the overlap of orbitals directly between the two carbon nuclei. The pi bonds are formed by the overlap of p orbitals above and below the plane of the molecule.
- The carbon atoms in ethyne are bonded to only two atoms, which is indicative of a linear geometry.
When we consider the hybridization of the carbon atoms, we focus on the formation of sigma bonds and lone pairs. In ethyne, each carbon atom utilizes two orbitals to form sigma bonds: one with the hydrogen atom and one with the other carbon atom. This implies that each carbon atom in ethyne must use two hybrid orbitals.
The two hybrid orbitals formed by each carbon atom in ethyne are a result of mixing one s orbital with one p orbital. This hybridization is referred to as sp hybridization, characterized by a linear electron geometry. The remaining two unhybridized p orbitals on each carbon atom are responsible for forming the two pi bonds in the triple bond.
In conclusion, the hybridization scheme in ethyne is sp.