What is the hybridization of the central atom (carbon) in CS_2?

• A. sp^3
• B. sp
• C. dsp^2
• D. sp^2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central atom in the molecule CS_2, which is carbon (C).
2. Determine the number of regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the central carbon atom. In CS_2, carbon forms two double bonds with sulfur atoms and has no lone pairs.
3. Recall that the hybridization corresponds to the number of electron regions: 2 regions correspond to sp, 3 regions to sp^2, and 4 regions to sp^3 hybridization.
4. Since carbon in CS_2 has two double bonds (2 regions of electron density), the hybridization is sp.
5. Confirm that the molecular geometry is linear, which is consistent with sp hybridization.