Question

What is the hybridization of singlet carbene?

(a) sp

(b) sp^3

(c) sp^3d

(d) sp^2

I got this question during an online interview.

This intriguing question comes from Fundamental Concepts in Organic Reaction Mechanism topic in section Organic Chemistry – Basic Principles and Technique of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

The correct option is (d) sp^2

The best explanation: In a singlet carbon, the carbon atom is sp^2 hybridized, the unhybridized orbitals contain no electrons and a hybridized orbital contains two electrons. Singlet carbene has a brain structure and is less stable than a triplet carbine.