In acetic acid, what is the hybridization of the carbon atom that is directly bonded to two oxygen atoms?

• A. $s{p}^{3}d$
• B. $s{p}^2$
• C. $s{p}^1$
• D. $s{p}^3$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the carbon atom in acetic acid that is bonded to two oxygen atoms. This is the carbonyl carbon (the carbon in the carboxyl group, -COOH).
2. Determine the types of bonds around this carbon. It forms a double bond with one oxygen (carbonyl oxygen) and a single bond with the other oxygen (hydroxyl oxygen), as well as a single bond with a carbon or hydrogen atom.
3. Count the regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around this carbon. The carbonyl carbon has three regions of electron density: one double bond and two single bonds.
4. Recall that the hybridization corresponds to the number of electron density regions: three regions correspond to sp\textsuperscript{2} hybridization.
5. Conclude that the carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms in acetic acid is sp\textsuperscript{2} hybridized.