JEE Main 2024 — Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure Question with Solution

To determine the number of species in which the central atom uses $${\mathrm{sp}}^3$$ hybrid orbitals in its bonding, we need to analyze the hybridization of each central atom in the given species.

1. $${\mathrm{NH}}_3$$ (Ammonia):

The central atom is nitrogen. Ammonia has 3 sigma bonds and 1 lone pair. Thus, the steric number is 4, which corresponds to $${\mathrm{sp}}^3$$ hybridization.

2. $${\mathrm{SO}}_2$$ (Sulfur dioxide):

The central atom is sulfur. Sulfur dioxide has 2 sigma bonds and 1 lone pair. Thus, the steric number is 3, which corresponds to $${\mathrm{sp}}^2$$ hybridization.

3. $${\mathrm{SiO}}_2$$ (Silicon dioxide):

The central atom is silicon. Silicon dioxide has a linear structure with double bonds, leading to $$\mathrm{sp}$$ hybridization.

4. $${\mathrm{BeCl}}_2$$ (Beryllium chloride):

The central atom is beryllium. Beryllium chloride has 2 sigma bonds and no lone pair. Thus, the steric number is 2, which corresponds to $$\mathrm{sp}$$ hybridization.

5. $${\mathrm{CO}}_2$$ (Carbon dioxide):

The central atom is carbon. Carbon dioxide has a linear structure with double bonds, leading to $$\mathrm{sp}$$ hybridization.

6. $${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$$ (Water):

The central atom is oxygen. Water has 2 sigma bonds and 2 lone pairs. Thus, the steric number is 4, which corresponds to $${\mathrm{sp}}^3$$ hybridization.

7. $${\mathrm{CH}}_4$$ (Methane):

The central atom is carbon. Methane has 4 sigma bonds and no lone pair. Thus, the steric number is 4, which corresponds to $${\mathrm{sp}}^3$$ hybridization.

8. $${\mathrm{BF}}_3$$ (Boron trifluoride):

The central atom is boron. Boron trifluoride has 3 sigma bonds and no lone pair. Thus, the steric number is 3, which corresponds to $${\mathrm{sp}}^2$$ hybridization.

From the above analysis, the species in which the central atom uses $${\mathrm{sp}}^3$$ hybrid orbitals are:

• $${\mathrm{NH}}_3$$
• $${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$$
• $${\mathrm{CH}}_4$$

Therefore, the number of species where the central atom uses $${\mathrm{sp}}^3$$ hybrid orbitals is 3.