Question

`Th C-O` bonds of saturated aliphatic ehters are formed by the linear orbital overlap of the type:
A. `sp^(3)-sp^(2)`
B. `sp^(3)-sp^(3)`
C. `sp^(2)-sp^(2)`
D. `sp^(3)-sp`

Answer 1

Correct Answer - B
In ehters the central oxygen atom (with steric number four) is `sp^(3)` hybridized. In saturated aliphatic ethers, the carbon atoms bonded to the bivalent oxygen are also `sp^(3)` hybridized. Thus `"sigma"` `C-O` bonds are formed by the end to end overlap of `sp^(3)` hybrid orbitals.