Determining s character of an atom

[anondukie]

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While determining the s-character of an atom in a molecule, should I only pay attention to the hybridized orbitals? For example, in the following question, I knew that two orbitals were sp hybridized (and should have 50% s character) but I also accounted for the two unhybridized p-orbitals because the question asked for the s-character of the atom in its entirety. How would you answer the question?

“The s character of the carbon atom in HCN is:"

A) 25% s and 75% p.
B) 50% s and 50% p.
C) 33% s and 67% p.
D) 75% s and 25% p.

I'm attaching the Lewis Structure to make it more convenient. Thanks!

 

[Necr0sis713]

Yeah that should suffice. sp>sp2>sp3 in S character because it takes up a bigger ratio. Other than that, i'd say electronegativity is what they'd ask you in regards to "electron attraction" for unhybridized atoms.

 

[aldol16]

You can only take into account hybridized orbitals. Otherwise the answer would be completely independent of molecule and atom. Every atom has 1 s and 3 p.

 

[anondukie]

Thanks guys! Aldol, I was doing weird averages where I ended up with more than 1 s and 3 p orbitals (now that I think about it). You're absolutely right!