Question

The type of hybridisation of boron in diborane is

(a) sp³-hybridisation 

(b) sp²-hybridisation

(c) sp-hybridisation 

(d) sp³d^2-hybridisation

Answer 1

The correct option is : (a) sp³-hybridisation 

Explanation:

Each 'B' atom in diborane (B₂H₆) is sp³-hybridised. Of the 4-hybrid orbitals, three hare one electron each, while the 4^th is empty. Two orbitals of each form σ bonds with two 'H'- atoms, while one of the remaining hybrid orbital (either filled or empty), 1s orbital of 'H' atom and one of the hybrid orbitals of other 'B' atom overlap to form three centered two electron bond. So there exists two such type of three centered bonds.