What is the hybridization of the carbon atom in the carbonate ion, CO_3^{2-}?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central atom in the carbonate ion, CO_3^{2-}, which is the carbon atom.
2. Determine the number of regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the carbon atom. In CO_3^{2-}, carbon is bonded to three oxygen atoms and has no lone pairs.
3. Since there are three regions of electron density around carbon, the electron geometry is trigonal planar.
4. Recall that trigonal planar geometry corresponds to sp^2 hybridization, where one s orbital and two p orbitals mix to form three sp^2 hybrid orbitals.
5. Conclude that the carbon atom in the carbonate ion is sp^2 hybridized.