Q.Isostructural species are those which have the same shape and hybridisation. Among the given species identify the isostructural pairs.
Concept understanding — Orbital Hybridization Theory
Orbital Hybridization Theory – From Intuition to Precision
The Problem That Started It All
Imagine you are looking at a methane molecule, CH4. Carbon has four valence electrons: two in the 2s orbital and two in the 2p orbitals. If carbon used its pure atomic orbitals to bond, you would expect two bonds from the 2s (identical, but one direction) and two from the 2p (at 90∘ to each other). That would give you three different bond types and bond angles of 90∘ and something else.
But experiment says methane is perfectly tetrahedral: all four bonds are identical in length, strength, and energy, and the bond angle is 109.5∘, not 90∘. Something is fundamentally wrong with the "pure orbital" picture.
This is the puzzle that hybridization theory solves.
The Core Intuition
Think of atomic orbitals as shapes that an electron can occupy. The s orbital is a sphere. The p orbitals are dumbbells along the x, y, and z axes. When an atom forms bonds, it wants to mix these shapes together to create new, hybrid shapes that point in directions that maximise bond strength and minimise repulsion.
It is like mixing primary colours to get new colours. You don't have to use red, blue, and yellow separately — you can blend them to get green, orange, or purple. Similarly, an atom can blend its s and p orbitals to get new hybrid orbitals that are better suited for bonding.
The key insight: hybridization is a mathematical mixing of atomic orbitals on the same atom to produce an equal number of new, equivalent hybrid orbitals. The number of hybrid orbitals formed always equals the number of atomic orbitals mixed.
The Precise Statement
Orbital Hybridization Theory: When an atom forms covalent bonds, its valence atomic orbitals (one s and up to three p orbitals) can linearly combine to form an equal number of new, equivalent hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals have specific directional properties that match the observed molecular geometry.
The theory rests on three pillars:
- Conservation of orbitals: Mixing n atomic orbitals gives exactly n hybrid orbitals. No orbitals are created or destroyed.
- Energy averaging: The hybrid orbitals have energies that are intermediate between the original s and p energies.
- Directionality: Hybrid orbitals point in specific directions to minimise electron pair repulsion, which directly determines molecular shape.
The Three Common Hybridizations
| Hybridization | Orbitals Mixed | Number of Hybrids | Geometry | Bond Angle | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sp | one s + one p | 2 | Linear | 180∘ | BeCl2 |
| sp2 | one s + two p | 3 | Trigonal planar | 120∘ | BF3 |
| sp3 | one s + three p | 4 | Tetrahedral | 109.5∘ | CH4 |
The superscript in sp2 or sp3 tells you how many p orbitals were mixed. sp3 means one s and three p orbitals were blended. It does not mean there are three s orbitals — there is only one s orbital per shell.
How It Works: The Methane Example
Carbon in its ground state has the configuration 1s22s22px12py1. Only two unpaired electrons — it should form only two bonds. But we know carbon forms four bonds.
Step 1: Promotion. One electron from the 2s orbital is promoted (excited) to the empty 2pz orbital. This costs a small amount of energy, but it is more than compensated by the energy released when four strong bonds form instead of two.
Step 2: Hybridization. The one 2s orbital and three 2p orbitals mix to form four equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals. Each hybrid has 25% s character and 75% p character.
Step 3: Bonding. Each sp3 hybrid overlaps with the 1s orbital of a hydrogen atom, forming four identical σ bonds. The hybrids point to the corners of a tetrahedron, giving the 109.5∘ angle.
Hybridization is not a physical process that happens in real time. It is a mathematical model that explains the observed geometry. The atom does not "decide" to hybridize — the hybrid orbitals are simply the most stable arrangement for bonding.
Why This Matters for Exams
You will be asked to:
- Predict the hybridization of the central atom in a molecule (count the number of sigma bonds + lone pairs around the atom)
- Determine the geometry from hybridization
- Explain why CH4 is tetrahedral but H2O is bent (both are sp3 hybridized, but water has two lone pairs that repel more strongly)
To find hybridization quickly: count the number of sigma bonds + lone pairs on the central atom. If the total is 2 → sp, 3 → sp2, 4 → sp3, 5 → sp3d, 6 → sp3d2.
The Bottom Line
Hybridization theory resolves the contradiction between atomic orbital shapes and molecular geometries. It tells us that atoms can mix their orbitals to create new, better-directed orbitals for bonding. The geometry you observe is a direct consequence of which orbitals were mixed and how many.
The final answer: Orbital hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals on the same atom to form an equal number of new hybrid orbitals with specific directional properties that explain molecular geometry.
Orbital Hybridization Theory is one of the most important sections of the NCERT Class 11 Chemistry chapter on Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, matching searches like "hybridization: sp, sp2, sp3 examples" or "chemical bonding important questions class 11 chemistry". Determining hybridisation and predicting molecular shape from it is one of the highest-yield, most frequently tested topics across CBSE boards, JEE Main, and NEET chemistry.
The key idea is Orbital Hybridization Theory: the shape of a molecule is determined by the steric number (number of bond pairs + lone pairs) around the central atom, which dictates the hybridization.
Step 1: Determine steric number and hybridization for each species.
- NF₃: N has 5 valence e⁻, 3 bonds + 1 lone pair → steric number 4 → sp3 → pyramidal.
- BF₃: B has 3 valence e⁻, 3 bonds, 0 lone pairs → steric number 3 → sp2 → trigonal planar.
- BF₄⁻: B has 3 + 1 (from charge) = 4 e⁻, 4 bonds → steric number 4 → sp3 → tetrahedral.
- NH₄⁺: N has 5 - 1 (from charge) = 4 e⁻, 4 bonds → steric number 4 → sp3 → tetrahedral.
- BCl₃: B has 3 e⁻, 3 bonds → steric number 3 → sp2 → trigonal planar.
- BrCl₃: Br has 7 e⁻, 3 bonds + 2 lone pairs → steric number 5 → sp3d → T-shaped.
- NH₃: N has 5 e⁻, 3 bonds + 1 lone pair → steric number 4 → sp3 → pyramidal.
- NO₃⁻: N has 5 + 1 (charge) = 6 e⁻, 3 bonds (resonance) → steric number 3 → sp2 → trigonal planar.
Step 2: Compare shape and hybridization.
Only BF₄⁻ and NH₄⁺ both have sp3 hybridization and tetrahedral shape.
The isostructural pair is [BF4− and NH4+].
Isostructural species share the same hybridisation and molecular geometry. The pair BF₄⁻ and NH₄⁺ both have sp³ hybridisation and tetrahedral shape, making them isostructural.
The key to identifying isostructural pairs is to first determine the hybridisation of the central atom in each species, and then deduce the molecular geometry (shape) from that. Two species are isostructural only if both their hybridisation and shape match exactly.
We use the standard method: count the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs on the central atom. The total (steric number) gives the hybridisation: 2 → sp, 3 → sp², 4 → sp³, 5 → sp³d, 6 → sp³d². The shape is then predicted by VSEPR theory, treating lone pairs as occupying space but not being "seen" in the molecular shape.
Let’s examine each option.
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Option (A): [NF₃ and BF₃]
- NF₃: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. It forms 3 sigma bonds with F atoms and has 1 lone pair. Steric number = 3 + 1 = 4 → sp³ hybridisation. With one lone pair, the shape is trigonal pyramidal.
- BF₃: Boron has 3 valence electrons. It forms 3 sigma bonds with F atoms and has no lone pair. Steric number = 3 → sp² hybridisation. Shape is trigonal planar.
- Hybridisation and shape differ. Not isostructural.
-
Option (B): [BF₄⁻ and NH₄⁺]
- BF₄⁻: Boron has 3 valence electrons, plus 1 from the negative charge = 4. It forms 4 sigma bonds with F atoms, no lone pair. Steric number = 4 → sp³ hybridisation. Shape: tetrahedral.
- NH₄⁺: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, minus 1 for the positive charge = 4. It forms 4 sigma bonds with H atoms, no lone pair. Steric number = 4 → sp³ hybridisation. Shape: tetrahedral.
- Both are sp³ and tetrahedral. Isostructural.
-
Option (C): [BCl₃ and BrCl₃]
- BCl₃: Boron has 3 valence electrons, forms 3 sigma bonds, no lone pair. Steric number = 3 → sp², trigonal planar.
- BrCl₃: Bromine has 7 valence electrons. It forms 3 sigma bonds with Cl atoms and has 2 lone pairs (since 7 − 3 = 4 electrons = 2 lone pairs). Steric number = 3 + 2 = 5 → sp³d hybridisation. Shape: T-shaped (due to two lone pairs in equatorial positions).
- Hybridisation and shape differ. Not isostructural.
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Option (D): [NH₃ and NO₃⁻]
- NH₃: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, forms 3 sigma bonds, 1 lone pair. Steric number = 4 → sp³, trigonal pyramidal.
- NO₃⁻: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, plus 1 from the negative charge = 6. It forms 3 sigma bonds (with resonance, each N–O bond is equivalent) and has no lone pair (the remaining 3 electrons are involved in pi bonding). Steric number = 3 → sp², trigonal planar.
- Hybridisation and shape differ. Not isostructural.
A common mistake is to assume that because both species contain nitrogen, they must have similar shapes. Always count the steric number carefully — the presence of a charge or resonance can change hybridisation entirely.
For ions, remember to adjust the valence electron count: add electrons for a negative charge, subtract for a positive charge. Then count sigma bonds and lone pairs as usual.
The isostructural pair is (B) [BF₄⁻ and NH₄⁺].
Showing the 12 most recent of 28 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.In graphite the C–C bond length with in the layer is X pm and the distance between two adjacent layers is Y pm. X and Y respectively are (A) 340, 141.5 (B) 141.5, 340 (C) 141.5, 154 (D) 143.5, 340
›Reveal solutionSolution
Graphite has strong covalent bonds within layers (short C–C bond length ≈ 141.5 pm) and weak van der Waals forces between layers (large interlayer spacing ≈ 340 pm). The correct pair is (141.5, 340), which is option (B).
Graphite’s structure is the key: it consists of flat sheets (graphene layers) where each carbon is bonded to three others in a hexagonal honeycomb. The in‑plane C–C bonds are strong and short (like in benzene or graphene), while the layers stack loosely, held only by weak dispersion forces, so the distance between layers is much larger.
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Identify the in‑plane bond length (X)
In a graphene layer, each carbon is sp²‑hybridized, forming σ bonds 120° apart. The C–C bond length in graphite is well‑known to be about 141.5 pm (1.415 Å). This is similar to the bond length in benzene (140 pm) and much shorter than a typical single bond (154 pm). So X = 141.5 pm.
-
Identify the interlayer distance (Y)
Adjacent layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces, not covalent bonds. The typical spacing between layers in graphite is about 340 pm (3.4 Å). This is much larger than any covalent bond length, reflecting the weak, non‑bonded interaction.
-
Match to the options
- (A) 340, 141.5 → swaps the values (wrong order).
- (B) 141.5, 340 → correct.
- (C) 141.5, 154 → 154 pm is a typical C–C single bond length, not the interlayer distance.
- (D) 143.5, 340 → 143.5 pm is slightly too large for the in‑plane bond.
Watch outA common mistake is to confuse the interlayer distance (≈340 pm) with a bond length, or to think the C–C bond in graphite is as long as a diamond single bond (154 pm). Remember: graphite’s in‑plane bonds have partial double‑bond character, making them shorter.
TipYou can remember the numbers by noting that 141.5 pm is roughly 1.4 Å (the “aromatic” bond length) and 340 pm is about 3.4 Å (the classic van der Waals gap in layered materials).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.XeF₄ on reaction with O₂F₂ at 143 K gives a Xenon compound A. This on complete hydrolysis gives HF and B. The hybridisation of central atom in B is (A) sp3 (B) sp2 (C) sp3d (D) sp3d2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction of XeF₄ with O₂F₂ yields XeF₆ (compound A), which hydrolyzes to XeO₃ (compound B). The central Xe in XeO₃ has sp3 hybridization, so the correct option is (A).
Concept & Intuition
This problem tests your understanding of noble gas chemistry and the link between molecular structure and hybridization. The key is to track the xenon atom through two reactions: first, an oxidation/fluorination step that increases the number of fluorine atoms around xenon; second, a hydrolysis that replaces fluorine with oxygen. The final compound’s geometry (and thus hybridization) is determined by counting electron domains around xenon using VSEPR theory.
Step-by-step reasoning
- Identify the first reaction product (compound A). XeF₄ reacts with O₂F₂ at 143 K. O₂F₂ is a strong fluorinating agent (it contains an O–O bond and readily provides fluorine radicals). The reaction is known to produce XeF₆:
XeF4+O2F2→XeF6+O2
So compound A is XeF₆.
- Determine the hydrolysis product (compound B). Complete hydrolysis of XeF₆ gives HF and a xenon oxide. The reaction is:
XeF6+3H2O→XeO3+6HF
Thus compound B is XeO₃ (xenon trioxide).
-
Find the hybridization of the central atom in XeO₃.
- Count valence electrons: Xe has 8, each O contributes 0 (as a ligand), and the molecule is neutral.
- Draw the Lewis structure: Xe forms three double bonds with three oxygen atoms (Xe=O). This uses 6 electrons. Xenon also has one lone pair (the remaining 2 electrons).
- Electron domain count: 3 double bonds + 1 lone pair = 4 electron domains around Xe.
- According to VSEPR, 4 domains give a tetrahedral electron‑pair geometry. The lone pair occupies one vertex, so the molecular shape is trigonal pyramidal.
- Hybridization for 4 domains is sp3.
-
Confirm with known facts.
XeO₃ is a well‑known explosive solid with a trigonal pyramidal structure (bond angles ~103°). This matches sp3 hybridization.
Watch outA common mistake is to think that because Xe has expanded octet in XeF₆ (sp3d2), the hydrolysis product also uses d‑orbitals. But in XeO₃, the lone pair and three double bonds give only four domains — no d‑orbitals are needed.
TipFor noble gas compounds, always track the number of electron domains after hydrolysis. Replacing F with O often reduces the domain count because oxygen forms multiple bonds.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.Observe the following reactions XeF6 + H2O → A + 2HF XeF6 + 2H2O → B + 4HF Hybridization of central atom in A, B respectively is (A) sp3d,sp3d (B) sp3d2,sp3d (C) sp3d,sp3 (D) sp3d2,sp3
›Reveal solutionSolution
The hydrolysis of XeF6 with one mole of water yields XeOF4 (A) with sp3d2 hybridization, while hydrolysis with two moles of water yields XeO2F2 (B) with sp3d hybridization. The correct option is (B).
The problem asks us to determine the hybridization of the central xenon atom in the products formed from the partial hydrolysis of XeF6. Xenon hexafluoride (XeF6) undergoes hydrolysis in a stepwise manner, where fluorine atoms are progressively replaced by oxygen atoms from water molecules. The extent of hydrolysis depends on the stoichiometry of the reaction, specifically the molar ratio of XeF6 to H2O.
To determine the hybridization of the central atom (Xenon) in the products, we will use the VSEPR theory, which relies on calculating the steric number. The steric number is the sum of the number of sigma bonds formed by the central atom and the number of lone pairs on the central atom.
Steric Number = (Number of sigma bonds) + (Number of lone pairs)
Based on the steric number, the hybridization is:
- 2: sp
- 3: sp2
- 4: sp3
- 5: sp3d
- 6: sp3d2
- 7: sp3d3
Let's break down the reactions and determine the hybridization for each product.
-
Identify Product A and its Hybridization:
The first reaction given is:
XeF6+H2O→A+2HF
This is a partial hydrolysis reaction where one molecule of water reacts with XeF6. In this process, one oxygen atom from water replaces two fluorine atoms from XeF6.
Therefore, product A is XeOF4.
Now, let's determine the hybridization of Xe in XeOF4:
- Central atom: Xenon (Xe)
- Valence electrons of Xe: 8
- Atoms bonded to Xe: 4 Fluorine atoms and 1 Oxygen atom.
- Bonds formed: Each F forms a single bond (1 electron from Xe), and O forms a double bond (2 electrons from Xe).
- Electrons used in bonding: (4×1)+(1×2)=4+2=6 electrons.
- Remaining valence electrons: 8−6=2 electrons.
- Number of lone pairs: 2/2=1 lone pair.
- Number of sigma bonds: 4 (to F atoms) + 1 (to O atom) = 5 sigma bonds.
- Steric number: (Number of sigma bonds) + (Number of lone pairs) = 5+1=6.
- A steric number of 6 corresponds to sp3d2 hybridization.
- The geometry of XeOF4 is square pyramidal (due to one lone pair distorting the octahedral arrangement).
-
Identify Product B and its Hybridization:
The second reaction given is:
XeF6+2H2O→B+4HF
This is a further hydrolysis reaction where two molecules of water react with XeF6. Here, two oxygen atoms from water replace four fluorine atoms from XeF6.
Therefore, product B is XeO2F2.
Now, let's determine the hybridization of Xe in XeO2F2:
- Central atom: Xenon (Xe)
- Valence electrons of Xe: 8
- Atoms bonded to Xe: 2 Fluorine atoms and 2 Oxygen atoms.
- Bonds formed: Each F forms a single bond (1 electron from Xe), and each O forms a double bond (2 electrons from Xe).
- Electrons used in bonding: (2×1)+(2×2)=2+4=6 electrons.
- Remaining valence electrons: 8−6=2 electrons.
- Number of lone pairs: 2/2=1 lone pair.
- Number of sigma bonds: 2 (to F atoms) + 2 (to O atoms) = 4 sigma bonds.
- Steric number: (Number of sigma bonds) + (Number of lone pairs) = 4+1=5.
- A steric number of 5 corresponds to sp3d hybridization.
- The geometry of XeO2F2 is see-saw (due to one lone pair in a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement).
-
Compare with Options:
- Hybridization of central atom in A (XeOF4): sp3d2
- Hybridization of central atom in B (XeO2F2): sp3d
Comparing these with the given options:
(A) sp3d,sp3d
(B) sp3d2,sp3d
(C) sp3d,sp3
(D) sp3d2,sp3
The calculated hybridizations match option (B).
✓Final answerThe hybridization of the central atom in A (XeOF4) is sp3d2, and in B (XeO2F2) is sp3d. Thus, the correct option is (B).
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.Identify the reaction in which the hybridization of the underlined atom is changed (A) NH3(g)+H2O(l)→ (B) POCl3+3H2O→ (C) SO2(g)+H2O(l)→ (D) PCl3+3H2O→
›Reveal solutionSolution
Only in SO2+H2O does the central atom change hybridisation, going from sp2 in SO2 to sp3 in H2SO3 — option (C).
Check the hybridisation of the central atom on each side of every reaction.
- (A) NH3→NH4+ (with water): N is sp3 in NH3 and remains sp3 in NH4+. No change.
- (B) POCl3→H3PO4: P is sp3 in POCl3 and sp3 in H3PO4. No change.
- (C) SO2→H2SO3: S is sp2 in SO2 (two bond domains + one lone pair, bent, 3 electron domains) but becomes sp3 in H2SO3 (four electron domains around S). Hybridisation changes sp2→sp3.
- (D) PCl3→H3PO3: P is sp3 in PCl3 and sp3 in H3PO3. No change.
✓Final answerThe hybridisation of the central atom changes only in SO2(g)+H2O(l) (sp2→sp3) — option (C).
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The substituent ‘X’ increases electron density in benzene ring by hyperconjugation effect and substituent ‘Y’ decreases electron density in benzene by resonance effect. ‘X’ and ‘Y’ respectively are (A) −CH3,−NO2 (B) −OCH3,−COCH3 (C) −OH,−NO2 (D) −CH3,−NHCH3
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to identify one substituent that donates electrons via hyperconjugation (only alkyl groups with α-H do this) and another that withdraws electrons via resonance (groups with a π-system that pulls electron density). The correct pair is −CH3 (hyperconjugation donor) and −NO2 (resonance withdrawer), which matches option (A).
The question tests your ability to distinguish between two common electronic effects: hyperconjugation and resonance. Hyperconjugation is a sigma-bond donation — it requires a C−H bond adjacent to the ring to overlap with the π-system. Only alkyl groups like −CH3 can do this. Resonance, on the other hand, involves pi-electron delocalization; a group that withdraws by resonance must have an electronegative atom or a π-bond that can pull electron density away from the ring. −NO2 is the classic example.
Let’s check each option carefully.
-
Option (A): −CH3,−NO2
−CH3 has three C−H bonds whose σ electrons can delocalize into the ring — this is hyperconjugation, which increases electron density. −NO2 has a nitrogen with a positive formal charge and two oxygen atoms; its π-system pulls electrons from the ring via resonance, decreasing electron density. This fits perfectly.
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Option (B): −OCH3,−COCH3
−OCH3 donates electrons by resonance (lone pairs on oxygen), not by hyperconjugation. −COCH3 withdraws by resonance (carbonyl group), so the second part is correct, but the first is not.
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Option (C): −OH,−NO2
−OH donates by resonance (lone pairs), not hyperconjugation. −NO2 is correct for the second, but again the first fails.
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Option (D): −CH3,−NHCH3
−CH3 is correct for hyperconjugation, but −NHCH3 donates electrons by resonance (lone pair on nitrogen), not withdraws. So the second part is wrong.
Watch outA common mistake is to think that any group with lone pairs (like −OH or −OCH3) donates by hyperconjugation. They don’t — they donate by resonance. Hyperconjugation is exclusive to alkyl groups with at least one α-hydrogen.
TipTo quickly recall: hyperconjugation = alkyl groups only (e.g., −CH3, −C2H5). Resonance donation = groups with lone pairs on atoms directly attached to the ring (e.g., −OH, −NH2, −OCH3). Resonance withdrawal = groups with a π-bond to an electronegative atom (e.g., −NO2, −CN, −CHO, −COOH).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.Dehydration of an organic acid X with concentrated H2SO4 at 373K gives H2O and gas Y. The hybridisation of the carbon in Y and nature of Y are respectively (A) sp2, Neutral (B) sp, Neutral (C) sp2, acidic (D) sp, acidic
›Reveal solutionSolution
The dehydration of an organic acid with concentrated H₂SO₄ at 373 K typically produces carbon monoxide (CO), where the carbon is sp‑hybridized and the gas is neutral. The correct option is (B).
Concept & Intuition
When an organic acid (like formic acid, HCOOH) is heated with concentrated sulfuric acid, it undergoes dehydration — the acid loses a water molecule. The sulfuric acid acts as a powerful dehydrating agent. The product gas is not CO₂ (which would be acidic) but CO, which is neutral and has a triple bond between carbon and oxygen. The carbon in CO is sp‑hybridized because it forms two sigma bonds (one to oxygen, one lone pair) and two pi bonds, giving a linear geometry.
Step‑by‑Step Reasoning
- Identify the reaction type The problem says “dehydration of an organic acid X with conc. H₂SO₄ at 373 K”. The classic example is formic acid (HCOOH):
HCOOHconc. H2SO4, 373 KH2O+CO
This is a standard laboratory preparation of carbon monoxide.
-
Determine the gas Y
The gas produced is carbon monoxide (CO). It is not CO₂ because dehydration of a carboxylic acid at this temperature (with conc. H₂SO₄) removes water from the –COOH group, leaving CO. (Oxalic acid would give CO₂ + CO, but a simple mono‑carboxylic acid gives CO.)
-
Hybridisation of carbon in CO
In CO, the carbon is bonded to oxygen by a triple bond (one σ, two π). The carbon has two regions of electron density: the triple bond counts as one region, and the lone pair on carbon counts as another. Two regions → sp hybridisation.
Hybridisation: sp
-
Nature of CO (acidic or neutral?)
CO is a neutral gas. It does not turn litmus red (unlike CO₂, which forms carbonic acid in water). It is neither acidic nor basic — it is a neutral oxide.
-
Match with options
- (A) sp², Neutral → wrong hybridisation
- (B) sp, Neutral → matches
- (C) sp², acidic → wrong both
- (D) sp, acidic → wrong nature
Watch outA common mistake is to think the gas is CO₂ (which is acidic and has sp² carbon). But dehydration of a simple organic acid like formic acid gives CO, not CO₂. CO₂ would come from decarboxylation (different conditions).
TipRemember: “Formic acid + conc. H₂SO₄ → CO + H₂O” is a classic. The carbon in CO is sp‑hybridized (linear, triple bond). CO is neutral — it does not react with water to form an acid.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-AN1 markMCQQ.Choose the correct statements about allotropes of carbon I. Graphite has layered structure II. Buckminster fullerene is not aromatic in nature III. The distance between two adjacent layers in graphite is 141.5 pm IV. The hybridization of carbons in graphite and Buckminster fullerene is same (A) I & IV (B) I & II (C) II & III (D) III & IV
›Reveal solutionSolution
Graphite has a layered structure (I true), buckminsterfullerene is aromatic (II false), the interlayer distance in graphite is 335 pm not 141.5 pm (III false), and both allotropes use sp² hybridization (IV true). So statements I and IV are correct.
Concept & Intuition
Carbon allotropes differ in bonding geometry. Graphite’s layers are held by weak forces, while buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) is a closed cage with delocalized π‑electrons — that makes it aromatic. The key is to recall the actual interlayer spacing in graphite and the hybridization in each structure.
Step‑by‑step reasoning
-
Statement I: Graphite has a layered structure
Graphite consists of flat sheets of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal rings. Within each sheet, strong covalent bonds hold atoms; between sheets, only weak van der Waals forces exist. This layered structure is why graphite is a lubricant and conducts electricity only along the sheets.
→ True
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Statement II: Buckminster fullerene is not aromatic in nature
C₆₀ has 60 carbon atoms, each sp² hybridized, forming a soccer‑ball shape. The π‑electrons are delocalized over the entire surface, satisfying Hückel’s rule for spherical aromaticity (2(N+1)² π‑electrons with N = 2 gives 18 π‑electrons, but C₆₀ actually has 60 π‑electrons; however, it is considered aromatic due to three‑dimensional delocalization). Chemically, it undergoes addition reactions typical of aromatic systems.
→ False (it is aromatic)
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Statement III: The distance between two adjacent layers in graphite is 141.5 pm
The in‑plane C–C bond length in graphite is about 141.5 pm. The distance between layers (interlayer spacing) is much larger, approximately 335 pm. The given value confuses the bond length with the interlayer distance.
→ False
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Statement IV: The hybridization of carbons in graphite and Buckminster fullerene is same
In graphite, each carbon is sp² hybridized (three σ‑bonds, one p‑orbital for π‑bonding). In C₆₀, each carbon is also sp² hybridized (three σ‑bonds, one p‑orbital for delocalized π‑system). The geometry is trigonal planar in both, though curved in fullerene.
→ True
Watch outA common mistake is to confuse the in‑plane C–C bond length (141.5 pm) with the interlayer distance (335 pm). Always check units and context.
TipRemember: sp² hybridization in carbon always gives a planar or nearly planar arrangement with one p‑orbital for π‑bonding — true for both graphite and fullerenes.
Conclusion: Statements I and IV are correct.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-FN1 markMCQQ.Choose the correct statements about allotropes of carbon I. Graphite has layered structure II. Buckminster fullerene is not aromatic in nature III. The distance between two adjacent layers in graphite is 141.5 pm IV. The hybridization of carbons in graphite and Buckminster fullerene is same (A) I & II (B) I & IV (C) II & III (D) III & IV
›Reveal solutionSolution
Graphite has a layered structure (true), Buckminster fullerene is aromatic (false), the interlayer distance in graphite is 335 pm (not 141.5 pm), and both graphite and fullerene use sp² hybridization (true). So only statements I and IV are correct.
Concept & Intuition
Allotropes of carbon differ in how carbon atoms bond and arrange themselves. Graphite forms flat sheets of sp²-hybridized carbons in a hexagonal lattice, with weak forces between layers. Buckminster fullerene (C₆₀) is a soccer-ball-shaped molecule where each carbon is also sp²-hybridized, but the curved surface creates a delocalized π-system that is aromatic. The key is to recall the exact interlayer spacing in graphite (not the in-plane bond length) and the hybridization common to both.
Step-by-step reasoning
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Statement I: Graphite has a layered structure
Graphite consists of stacked, two-dimensional sheets of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Within each layer, strong covalent bonds hold atoms together; between layers, only weak van der Waals forces exist. This is a defining property of graphite.
→ True
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Statement II: Buckminster fullerene is not aromatic in nature
C₆₀ has 60 π-electrons, which satisfies Hückel’s rule for spherical aromaticity (2(N+1)² for N=2 gives 18, but C₆₀’s π-system is delocalized over the entire sphere and exhibits aromatic character). It undergoes reactions typical of aromatic compounds and is considered aromatic.
→ False (it is aromatic)
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Statement III: The distance between two adjacent layers in graphite is 141.5 pm
The in-plane C–C bond length in graphite is about 141.5 pm, but the distance between layers (interlayer spacing) is much larger — approximately 335 pm (3.35 Å). The given value confuses the bond length with the interlayer distance.
→ False
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Statement IV: The hybridization of carbons in graphite and Buckminster fullerene is same
In graphite, each carbon is sp²-hybridized (three σ bonds, one p orbital for π bonding). In C₆₀, each carbon also forms three σ bonds (two single bonds and one double bond in the alternating pattern) and uses sp² hybridization. The curvature does not change the hybridization.
→ True
Since only I and IV are correct, the answer is option (B).
Watch outA common mistake is to confuse the in-plane C–C bond length (~141.5 pm) with the interlayer spacing (~335 pm). Also, some think fullerene is non-aromatic because of its curved shape, but it is indeed aromatic.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom of XeO3, XeOF4 and XeF6 respectively is (A) 3, 2, 1 (B) 2, 1, 0 (C) 1, 2, 1 (D) 1, 1, 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The number of lone pairs on the central Xe atom is determined by counting total valence electrons, subtracting those used in bonding and in the terminal atoms' own lone pairs, and dividing the remainder by two. For XeO3, XeOF4, and XeF6, the lone pairs are 1, 1, and 1 respectively — option (D).
The key to this problem is understanding that xenon is a noble gas with 8 valence electrons. In its compounds, it forms bonds by expanding its octet, using d-orbitals. The number of lone pairs on Xe is simply the leftover electrons after accounting for all bonds and the terminal atoms' own octets.
Let's work through each molecule step by step.
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XeO3
Xenon has 8 valence electrons; each oxygen contributes 6, and there are 3 oxygens.
Total valence electrons available: 8+3×6=26.
In the Lewis structure, each Xe=O double bond uses 4 electrons, so the three double bonds use 3×4=12 electrons. Each double-bonded oxygen already has 4 electrons from the bond and needs 4 more to complete its octet — that's 2 lone pairs (4 electrons) per oxygen, or 3×4=12 electrons total for the three oxygens. Adding the bonding electrons and the oxygens' own lone-pair electrons: 12+12=24. The remaining 26−24=2 electrons go on xenon as 1 lone pair.
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XeOF4
Xenon: 8 valence electrons. Oxygen: 6. Each fluorine: 7, and there are 4 fluorines.
Total valence electrons: 8+6+4×7=8+6+28=42.
The structure: Xe forms a double bond with O (4 electrons) and single bonds with each F (2 electrons each, total 8). So bonding uses 4+8=12 electrons.
Each fluorine gets 3 lone pairs (6 electrons each, total 4×6=24). Oxygen gets 2 lone pairs (4 electrons). That accounts for 24+4=28 electrons in lone pairs on terminal atoms.
Total electrons used so far: 12+28=40. Remaining: 42−40=2 electrons → 1 lone pair on Xe.
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XeF6
Xenon: 8. Each fluorine: 7, total 6×7=42.
Total: 8+42=50 electrons.
Six Xe–F single bonds use 6×2=12 electrons.
Each fluorine gets 3 lone pairs (6 electrons each), total 6×6=36 electrons.
Used: 12+36=48. Remaining: 50−48=2 electrons → 1 lone pair on Xe.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that oxygen in XeO3 forms double bonds, not single bonds. If you treat it as single-bonded, you'll get 3 lone pairs on Xe — which is wrong because oxygen would then have a formal charge of -1, and the molecule would not be neutral.
Thus, all three molecules have exactly one lone pair on the central xenon atom.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) 1, 1, 1.
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-29-AN1 markMCQQ.The pair of molecules having same number of lone pair of electrons on central atom is (A) SF4, XeF4 (B) ClF3, BrF5 (C) ClF3, XeF4 (D) SF4, ClF3
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to count the lone pairs on the central atom using the VSEPR formula (total valence electrons minus bonding electrons, divided by 2). The pair with the same lone-pair count is ClF3 and XeF4, each having 2 lone pairs on the central atom.
The question asks which two molecules have the same number of lone pairs on their central atom. This is a classic VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) problem. The central idea is simple: count the total valence electrons around the central atom, subtract the electrons used in bonding (each bond uses 2 electrons), and the remainder, divided by 2, gives the number of lone pairs.
Let’s work through each option systematically.
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Option (A): SF4 and XeF4
- For SF4: Sulfur has 6 valence electrons. It forms 4 S–F bonds, using 4×2=8 electrons. But wait — sulfur only has 6 valence electrons, so it uses 4 of its own for bonding and gets 4 more from fluorine atoms? Actually, the correct method: total valence electrons = 6+4×7=34. Bonding pairs = 4 bonds × 2 electrons = 8 electrons used in bonds. Remaining electrons = 34−8=26. These are distributed as lone pairs on the central atom and on fluorines. Each fluorine gets 3 lone pairs (6 electrons), so 4 fluorines take 4×6=24 electrons. That leaves 26−24=2 electrons on sulfur, which is 1 lone pair.
- For XeF4: Xenon has 8 valence electrons. Total valence = 8+4×7=36. Bonding uses 8 electrons. Remaining = 28. Each fluorine takes 6 electrons (3 lone pairs), so 4 fluorines take 24. Leftover = 28−24=4 electrons on xenon, which is 2 lone pairs.
- So SF4 has 1 lone pair, XeF4 has 2 — not the same.
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Option (B): ClF3 and BrF5
- ClF3: Chlorine has 7 valence electrons. Total valence = 7+3×7=28. Bonding uses 6 electrons. Remaining = 22. Each fluorine takes 6 electrons, so 3 fluorines take 18. Leftover = 22−18=4 electrons on chlorine, which is 2 lone pairs.
- BrF5: Bromine has 7 valence electrons. Total valence = 7+5×7=42. Bonding uses 10 electrons. Remaining = 32. Each fluorine takes 6 electrons, so 5 fluorines take 30. Leftover = 32−30=2 electrons on bromine, which is 1 lone pair.
- Not the same (2 vs. 1).
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Option (C): ClF3 and XeF4
- We already found ClF3 has 2 lone pairs and XeF4 has 2 lone pairs.
- So this pair matches.
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Option (D): SF4 and ClF3
- SF4 has 1 lone pair, ClF3 has 2 — not the same.
TipA faster way: use the formula Lone pairs=21(V−8n), where V is total valence electrons and n is the number of atoms bonded to the central atom (assuming each bond uses 2 electrons and each terminal atom gets an octet). For ClF3: V=28, n=3, so lone pairs = 21(28−24)=2. For XeF4: V=36, n=4, so lone pairs = 21(36−32)=2. Works like a charm.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that terminal atoms (like F) also have lone pairs. The leftover electrons after bonding are not all on the central atom — you must account for the octet on each terminal atom first.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-29-FN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following is used as stabilizer for H2O2? (A) CO(CH3)2 (B) H2NCONH2 (C) MnO2 (D) CH3CHO
›Reveal solutionSolution
Hydrogen peroxide decomposes in the presence of catalysts or impurities; stabilizers slow this decomposition. The correct stabilizer among the options is acetanilide-like urea (H₂NCONH₂), which acts as a negative catalyst. The answer is (B).
Concept & Intuition
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is inherently unstable — it slowly decomposes into water and oxygen:
2H2O2→2H2O+O2
This decomposition is accelerated by heat, light, and especially by catalysts like metal ions (e.g., Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺) or solid surfaces (e.g., MnO₂). To make H₂O₂ safe for storage and transport, we add stabilizers — substances that inhibit decomposition. A stabilizer works by either:
- Chelating (binding) trace metal ions that catalyze decomposition, or
- Acting as a negative catalyst (inhibitor) that slows the reaction.
Now, let’s examine each option:
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Option (A): CO(CH₃)₂ (acetone)
Acetone is a common organic solvent. It does not chelate metal ions effectively nor does it inhibit H₂O₂ decomposition. In fact, acetone can react with H₂O₂ under certain conditions to form explosive peroxides (e.g., acetone peroxide). So it is not a stabilizer — it’s a hazard.
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Option (B): H₂NCONH₂ (urea)
Urea is a well-known stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide. It works by forming weak hydrogen bonds with H₂O₂ molecules and by sequestering trace metal impurities. Urea is often added to commercial H₂O₂ solutions to slow decomposition. This is the correct choice.
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Option (C): MnO₂ (manganese dioxide)
MnO₂ is a catalyst for H₂O₂ decomposition — it speeds up the reaction dramatically (you see rapid bubbling of oxygen). It is the opposite of a stabilizer. A classic demonstration: dropping MnO₂ into H₂O₂ produces a vigorous fizz.
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Option (D): CH₃CHO (acetaldehyde)
Acetaldehyde can react with H₂O₂ to form peracetic acid (an oxidizer), but it does not stabilize H₂O₂. Like acetone, it may even promote decomposition or side reactions. Not a stabilizer.
Watch outA common mistake is to think that any organic compound will stabilize H₂O₂. In reality, many organics (like aldehydes and ketones) react with H₂O₂, while solids like MnO₂ catalyze its decomposition. Only specific inhibitors like urea or phosphoric acid are used.
TipUrea is cheap, non-toxic, and highly effective. It’s also used in some hair-lightening products to stabilize the peroxide. Remember: stabilizers = negative catalysts.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-08-FN1 markMCQQ.Identify the number of molecules having permanent dipole moment from the following CCl4,NF3,H2S,HBr,SF4,SiF4,XeF4,BeCl2,SnCl2,BrF5,SO2 (A) 5 (B) 7 (C) 4 (D) 6
›Reveal solutionSolution
Seven of the eleven molecules are polar: NF3, H2S, HBr, SF4, SnCl2, BrF5, SO2.
A molecule has a permanent dipole moment only if its bond dipoles do not cancel by symmetry:
- CCl4 — regular tetrahedral, symmetric → non-polar
- NF3 — pyramidal (lone pair) → polar ✓
- H2S — bent → polar ✓
- HBr — polar diatomic → polar ✓
- SF4 — see-saw (lone pair) → polar ✓
- SiF4 — regular tetrahedral, symmetric → non-polar
- XeF4 — square planar, symmetric → non-polar
- BeCl2 — linear, symmetric → non-polar
- SnCl2 — bent (lone pair) → polar ✓
- BrF5 — square pyramidal (lone pair) → polar ✓
- SO2 — bent → polar ✓
Counting the polar molecules gives 7.
✓Final answerNumber of molecules with a permanent dipole moment =7 → option (B).
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