See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Hybridization Change in $CH_3CN \rightarrow CH_3COOH$ **Step 1: Identify the functional carbon** The functional carbon is the one undergoing change—the carbon in the nitrile group ($-CN$). **Step 2: Determine hybridization in $CH_3CN$** In the nitrile group $C \equiv N$: - The carbon forms a triple bond with nitrogen - Triple bond = 1 $\sigma$ + 2 $\pi$ bonds - The carbon uses 2 orbitals for bonding (1 for $\sigma$ to N, 1 for $\sigma$ to the methyl carbon) - **Hybridization: $sp$** **Step 3: Determine hybridization in $CH_3COOH$** In the carboxylic acid group $-COOH$: - The carbon forms single bonds with: one O (carbonyl), one O (hydroxyl), one C (methyl), and one H - The carbon uses 4 orbitals for 4 $\sigma$ bonds - **Hybridization: $sp^3$** **Step 4: Identify the change** $$sp \rightarrow sp^3$$ **Answer: (C) $sp$ to $sp^3$** The nitrile carbon (linear, sp hybridized) undergoes hydrolysis to form a carboxylic acid carbon (tetrahedral, $sp^3$ hybridized).