Cyclooctatetraene dianion, C₈H₈^2-, is an organic ion with the structure shown. Considering only the p bonds and not the s bonds, cyclooctatetraene dianion can be described by the following energy diagrams of its p molecular orbitals:
(a) What is the hybridization of the 8 carbon atoms?

Key Concepts

Hybridization

Hybridization is the concept in chemistry that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, which can accommodate the bonding requirements of atoms in a molecule. In the case of cyclooctatetraene dianion, understanding hybridization helps determine the geometry and bonding characteristics of the carbon atoms involved. For carbon atoms, common hybridizations include sp, sp2, and sp3, which correspond to different types of bonding and molecular shapes.

Molecular Orbitals

Molecular orbitals are formed by the combination of atomic orbitals when atoms bond together. In cyclooctatetraene dianion, the p molecular orbitals play a crucial role in determining the electronic structure and stability of the ion. The arrangement and energy levels of these orbitals influence the overall properties of the molecule, including its reactivity and resonance characteristics.

Cyclooctatetraene Structure

Cyclooctatetraene is a cyclic compound with alternating double bonds, which can exhibit unique properties due to its structure. The dianion form, C8H8^2-, indicates that two electrons have been added, affecting the stability and hybridization of the carbon atoms. Understanding the structure of cyclooctatetraene is essential for analyzing its hybridization and the implications of its p bonding in the context of molecular orbital theory.