Question

In which of the following molecules, all atoms are coplanar ?

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine which molecule has all atoms coplanar, we need to focus on the concept of hybridization. Molecules with sp² hybridized carbon atoms are typically coplanar, meaning all their atoms lie in the same plane.

Key Points: 

• In sp² hybridization, carbon atoms form a trigonal planar structure, where all atoms are in the same plane.
• Examples of sp² hybridized molecules that are coplanar include:
  • Ethene (C₂H₄): The two carbon atoms are sp² hybridized, and the molecule is flat.
  • Benzene (C₆H₆): The six carbon atoms are sp² hybridized, and the molecule is planar.
  • Formaldehyde (CH₂O): The carbon atom is sp² hybridized, and the atoms lie in the same plane.

If a molecule contains sp² hybridized carbon atoms, it will generally have all its atoms in the same plane (coplanar).