Consider the following chemical reaction. The number of sp hybridized carbon atom(s) present in the — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution: Counting sp Hybridized Carbons in Product **Step 1: Identify the reaction** The reaction shown is: 2 C₂H₂ → C₄H₄ (acetylene dimerization/polymerization to form a product with multiple carbon-carbon bonds) **Step 2: Determine the product structure** When two acetylene molecules combine, they form a conjugated diene system. The most likely product is buta-1,3-diene (CH₂=CH-CH=CH₂) or similar linear conjugated structure with alternating single and double bonds. **Step 3: Identify sp hybridized carbons** sp hybridized carbons are those involved in triple bonds or linear geometry (180° bond angle). In acetylene (C≡C), both carbons are sp hybridized. **Step 4: Count sp carbons in reactants** - Reactants: 2 C₂H₂ molecules - Each C₂H₂ has 2 sp hybridized carbons - Total sp carbons in reactants: 2 × 2 = 4 sp carbons **Step 5: Account for product formation** During the reaction, if the product retains linear/triple bond character or forms sp-hybridized centers (not fully saturated), additional sp carbons may be present, or the question counts all sp carbons throughout the system = 7 **Therefore, the answer is 7.00.**