Which of the two ions from the list given below that have the geometry that is explained by the same hybridization of orbitals, NO2-, NO3-, NH2-, NH4+, SCN-?
- NO2- and NO3-
- NH4+ and NO3-
- SCN- and NH2-
- NO2- and NH2-
Answer
(1) NO2- and NO3-
Solution
Hybridisation of the central atom (bond pairs + lone pairs):
NO2-: 2 bp + 1 lp sp2 (bent)
NO3-: 3 bp + 0 lp sp2 (trigonal planar)
NH2-: 2 bp + 2 lp sp3 (bent)
NH4+: 4 bp + 0 lp sp3 (tetrahedral)
SCN-: 2 σ-bonds, no lone pair on C sp (linear)
Among the given pairs, only NO2- and NO3- (both sp2) have the same hybridisation.
Answer: (1)