Question

In ethers, two C-O sigma bonds are formed by ____________ overlap.

Options

• sp - sp

• sp² - sp²

• sp² - sp³

• sp³ - sp³

Answer 1

In ethers, two C-O sigma bonds are formed by sp³ - sp³ overlap.

Explanation:

In ethers, the oxygen atom is sp³ hybridized, as are the carbon atoms of both the alkyl groups linked to the oxygen atom. As a result, the two C-O sigma bonds generated in ethers overlap by sp³ - sp³.