See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Hybridisation of the Arrow-headed Carbon **Step 1: Identify the structure** The arrow-headed carbon (C) is bonded to the benzene ring. This carbon is part of a side chain attached to the aromatic ring. **Step 2: Determine the geometry around the arrow-headed carbon** The arrow-headed carbon forms a double bond with the benzene ring (it's an exocyclic double bond, as shown by the curved arrow notation indicating sp² character at the ring and extension outward). This carbon is bonded to: - One double bond to the ring carbon - Typically two other substituents (implied in the structure) **Step 3: Count electron domains** For the exocyclic carbon with a $C=C$ double bond: - 1 double bond = 1 electron domain (counts as one region of electron density) - 2 additional single bonds = 2 electron domains - **Total = 3 electron domains** **Step 4: Determine hybridisation** Three electron domains → **$sp^2$ hybridisation** The ring carbons involved in the double bond are also $sp^2$ hybridised (maintaining aromaticity with $sp^2$ character). **Answer: (B) $sp^3 sp^3$** is incorrect. The correct hybridisation is **$sp^2$ for the exocyclic carbon**, making this consistent with $sp^2$ bonding in conjugation with the aromatic ring. *(Note: Option B states $sp^3 sp^3$ which seems inconsistent with the structure shown; the exocyclic carbon with a double bond should be $sp^2$, suggesting the answer key may reference a specific textbook convention.)*