Question

What is the hybridization of carbon in nco-?

Answer 1

Answer : The hybridization of carbon in $NCO^-$ is, $sp$ hybridized.

Explanation :

As we know that when a carbon attached to the four single sigma bonds then the hybridization will be, $sp^3$.

When a carbon attached to the three single sigma bonds and one-$\pi$ bond that means a carbon bonded to another atom by the double bond then the hybridization will be, $sp^2$.

When a carbon attached to the two single sigma bonds and two-$\pi$ bonds that means a carbon bonded to another atom by the triple bond then the hybridization will be, $sp$.

As per question, the given molecule is, $NCO^-$. In this molecule, a triple bond is present between the nitrogen and carbon atom and a single bond is present between the carbon and oxygen atom. That means, a carbon bonded to another atom by the triple bond then the hybridization will be, $sp$.

Hence, the hybridization of carbon in $NCO^-$ is, $sp$ hybridized.

Answer 2

First let us see what kind of bonds are formed in the compound. By drawing the structure, we see that the kind of bonds are:

N =- triple bond -= C – O

So there is only single bond between C and O therefore the hybridization of C is sp.