Which of the following conversions results in the formation of a different shape around the carbon atom?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The carbon in methanoic acid (HCOOH) is bonded to three groups — one H, one OH (single bond), and one O (double bond) — giving three electron domains and an sp2 hybridization with a trigonal planar shape. In methanol (CH3OH) the carbon is bonded to three H atoms and one O (all single bonds) — four electron domains, sp3 hybridization, and a tetrahedral shape. Thus the conversion HCOOH → CH3OH changes the carbon’s geometry from trigonal planar to tetrahedral.

Relevant knowledge points:
- VSEPR and hybridization: number of electron domains determines geometry (3 → trigonal planar, sp2; 4 → tetrahedral, sp3).
- Structure of key molecules:
  - Methanoic acid (HCOOH or H–C(=O)–OH): carbon has one double bond + two single bonds → 3 domains → planar.
  - Methanol (CH3OH or H3C–OH): carbon has four single bonds → 4 domains → tetrahedral.

Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Identify the bonding at carbon in methanoic acid: C bonded to H (single), to OH (single), and to O (double) → total 3 regions of electron density → sp2 → trigonal planar.
2. Identify bonding at carbon in methanol: C bonded to three H and one O → 4 regions → sp3 → tetrahedral.
3. Conclude geometry changes from planar to tetrahedral, so shape around carbon is different.

Why other options are incorrect (briefly):
- Chloromethane (CH3Cl) → methanol (CH3OH): both carbons have four single bonds (3 H + Cl vs 3 H + O) → both sp3 → tetrahedral (no change).
- Methanoic acid → methanal (HCHO): methanoic acid carbon is sp2 (as above); methanal carbon (H–C(=O)–H) is also sp2 (C=O plus two single bonds) → both planar.
- Methanoic acid → methanoate ion (HCOO–): carboxylate carbon remains sp2 (resonance between two C–O bonds) → planar.
- Methane → bromomethane: CH4 and CH3Br both have sp3 carbons → tetrahedral.

Therefore the conversion that produces a different shape around the carbon atom is Methanoic acid to methanol, which matches the provided answer.

Which of the following conversions results in the formation of a different shape around the carbon atom?Single choice

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