[Bjc51192]

Hey guys, the question ask

In which orbital does the lone pair reside in the vinyl carbanion.

I know the loan pair is on the carbon with the negative charge on it, I'm just not sure how to complete the problem.

Attached is a picture of my work.

What I deduced is that since there are 6 valence electrons on carbon plus the loan pair making it 8... so I think the loan pair would on on the 2p^4 orbital.

I apologize if the image is over sized, and I appreciate the help.

[Dan]

Hint: Do you know about hybridisation?

[Bjc51192]

Hint: Do you know about hybridisation?

Yea, It would be Sp2 hybridized, how would that help me though?

Thanks

[souro10]

You are right, the carbon atom is sp2 hybridized. Where would you like to place the lone pair? On a higher energy orbital, or a lower energy orbital? How does that affect the overall stability of the system ?Which orbital is higher energy- an empty sp2 hybrid orbital or a non-hybridized p-orbital empty p-orbital?