The odor of cinnamon oil is due to cinnamaldehyde, C9H8O. What is the hybridization of each carbon atom in cinnamaldehyde? How many s and how many p bonds does cinnamaldehyde have?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the hybridization of each carbon atom in the cinnamaldehyde molecule by examining the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs around each carbon atom.
2. For each carbon atom, determine if it is sp3, sp2, or sp hybridized based on the following rules: sp3 hybridization occurs with 4 sigma bonds or lone pairs, sp2 hybridization occurs with 3 sigma bonds or lone pairs, and sp hybridization occurs with 2 sigma bonds or lone pairs.
3. Count the number of sigma (σ) bonds in the molecule. Sigma bonds are single bonds and one bond in double or triple bonds.
4. Count the number of pi (π) bonds in the molecule. Pi bonds are the second bond in double bonds and the second and third bonds in triple bonds.
5. Summarize the total number of sigma and pi bonds in the cinnamaldehyde molecule.

Key Concepts

Hybridization

Hybridization is the concept that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, which can explain the geometry of molecular bonding. In organic molecules like cinnamaldehyde, carbon atoms can exhibit different hybridizations (sp, sp2, sp3) depending on their bonding environment. For example, sp2 hybridization occurs in carbon atoms involved in double bonds, leading to a trigonal planar arrangement.

Types of Bonds

In chemistry, bonds between atoms can be classified as sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds. Sigma bonds are formed by the head-on overlap of orbitals and are present in all single bonds, while pi bonds result from the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals and are found in double and triple bonds. Understanding the number of each type of bond in a molecule is crucial for determining its structure and reactivity.

Molecular Structure

The molecular structure of a compound refers to the arrangement of its atoms and the types of bonds connecting them. In cinnamaldehyde, the structure includes a carbonyl group (C=O) and a double bond between carbon atoms, which influences its physical properties and reactivity. Analyzing the structure helps in identifying hybridization and the total number of bonds present in the molecule.