What is the hybridisation state of benzyl carbonium ion? [figure]
- sp2
- spd2
- sp2d
- sp3
Answer
(1) sp2
Solution
The positively charged carbon of the benzyl carbocation has three σ bonds and no lone pair.
As per NCERT, the carbon atom of a carbocation is sp2 hybridised; its vacant unhybridised p orbital lies perpendicular to the plane.
∴ Hybridisation = sp2 (the positive charge is also delocalised into the ring through this p orbital).
Answer: (1)