Question

In which of the following molecules, all atoms are coplanar ?

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine which of the given molecules has all atoms coplanar, we need to consider the molecular geometry and the hybridization of the atoms involved. 

1. Coplanarity in molecules often depends on the presence of sp² hybridized carbon atoms, which tend to form planar structures like those seen in benzene rings. This is due to the trigonal planar geometry associated with sp² hybridization, allowing the atoms to remain in the same plane.
2. In aromatic compounds such as benzene and its derivatives, all carbon atoms are sp² hybridized, and the structure is planar.
3. Let's assess each molecule option given:
   • The correct answer is the first structure:. This molecule is benzene, which is a well-known planar molecule due to its sp² hybridized carbon atoms forming a delocalized π-electron system.
   • The other structures may involve sp³ hybridized atoms or non-planar configurations, which disrupt plane geometry, causing atoms to be non-coplanar.
4. Key to recognizing coplanarity is identifying the type of hybridization: sp² hybridization promotes planar structures, whereas sp³ typically leads to tetrahedral (non-planar) structures.

Thus, the molecule in which all atoms are coplanar is the first option, benzene: