In the ethene molecule, the carbon to carbon double bond consists of
Correct answer: C. one sigma bond formed by sp2 overlap and one pi bond formed by sideways overlap of unhybridised p orbitals
- A. two sigma bonds
- B. two pi bonds
- C. one sigma bond formed by sp2 overlap and one pi bond formed by sideways overlap of unhybridised p orbitals
- D. one ionic and one covalent bond
Explanation
Each carbon uses three sp2 hybrids for sigma bonds to two hydrogens and to the other carbon, and the leftover p orbital on each overlaps sideways above and below the plane to give the pi bond. This is why the molecule is flat and why rotation is blocked. Every multiple bond follows the same pattern of exactly one sigma plus the remainder as pi.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Sigma and Pi Bonds
A sigma bond forms by direct end-to-end overlap along the internuclear axis, whereas a pi bond forms by sideways overlap of parallel orbitals. The topic covers single, double and triple bonds, bond composition, restricted rotation and the relation between sigma and pi bonding and orbital hybridisation.
Practise Chemical Bonding
964 free Chemical Bonding MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Sigma and Pi Bonds questions
Rotation about a carbon to carbon double bond is restricted because
The number of sigma and pi bonds in a molecule of ethyne, C2H2, is
A sigma bond is formed by
A coordinate or dative covalent bond differs from an ordinary covalent bond in that
The number of sigma and pi bonds in a molecule of carbon dioxide is
A pi bond is weaker than a sigma bond because