Question

in the reaction represented above, which of the following sets correctly identifies the hybridization of the c atoms before and after the reaction occurs?

set	before	after
b	$sp^{2}$	$sp^{3}$
c	$sp^{3}$	$sp^{2}$
d	$sp^{3}$	$sp^{3}$

Explanation:

Step1: Determine hybridization before reaction

In the reactant (benzene - a cyclic compound with alternating double - bonds), each carbon atom forms 3 sigma bonds and has 1 pi - bond. The hybridization of carbon atoms in benzene is $sp^{2}$ as the number of electron - density regions around each carbon is 3.

Step2: Determine hybridization after reaction

In the product (cyclohexane), each carbon atom forms 4 sigma bonds and has no pi - bonds. The hybridization of carbon atoms in cyclohexane is $sp^{3}$ as the number of electron - density regions around each carbon is 4.

Answer:

B. $sp^{2}$, $sp^{3}$