Concept:Hybridization of carbon is directly linked to the number of pi bonds it forms. A carbon with zero pi bonds is \( sp^3 \), one pi bond is \( sp^2 \), and two pi bonds is \( sp \).
Solution:- Methanal (Formaldehyde, \( HCHO \)) contains a carbonyl group (\( C=O \)).
- The carbon atom is double-bonded to the oxygen, meaning it participates in one sigma bond and one pi bond with the oxygen, and two single sigma bonds with the hydrogens.
- Three electron domains require three hybrid orbitals, resulting in \( sp^2 \) hybridization.
Why other options are incorrect:Methanol, Ethanol, and Propanol are all saturated alcohols. Every carbon atom in these molecules is bonded exclusively by single bonds, making them all entirely \( sp^3 \) hybridized.
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