What will be the hybridization of highlighted carbon in the given haloarene
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → \(sp^2\)
In a haloarene the halogen is bonded directly to a carbon of the benzene ring. Every ring carbon forms three σ bonds (two to neighbouring ring carbons and one to H or X) and uses its remaining p orbital for the delocalised π system, so it is sp2 hybridised.
In a haloalkane, by contrast, the carbon carrying the halogen is sp3 hybridised. The greater s-character of the sp2 carbon makes the C–X bond of a haloarene shorter and stronger.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) sp3 — Incorrect. It is the hybridisation of the C–X carbon in haloalkanes, which has four σ bonds and no π bond.
Option (3) sp — Incorrect. It is found in carbons with two σ bonds and two π bonds, as in alkynes (C≡C) or nitriles.
Option (4) sp3d — Incorrect. Carbon has no d orbitals in its valence shell (n = 2), so it can never be sp3d hybridised.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Difference in Hybridisation of Carbon Atom in C–X Bond
