Question

How many sigma bonds and pi bonds are there in each of the following molecules?

Enter the number of sigma bonds, followed by the number of pi bonds. Separate the numbers with a comma. If no pi bonds are present, enter 0. (For example, 3 sigma bonds and 0 pi bonds would be entered 3,0.)

(a) 4,0

(b) 5,1

(c) 10,3

Answer 1

In molecule (a) there are 4 sigma bonds and 0 pi bonds, in molecule (b) there are 5 sigma bonds and 1 pi bond, and in molecule (c) there are 10 sigma bonds and 3 pi bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

In molecule (a), there are 4 sigma bonds and 0 pi bonds. Sigma bonds are formed from the end-to-end overlap of orbitals, and pi bonds are formed from the side-by-side overlap of orbitals. Since there are no double or triple bonds in molecule (a), there are no pi bonds present.

In molecule (b), there are 5 sigma bonds and 1 pi bond. The pi bond is formed in the double bond between the two atoms. The sigma bonds are formed by the end-to-end overlap of orbitals.

In molecule (c), there are 10 sigma bonds and 3 pi bonds. The pi bonds are formed in the double and triple bonds between the atoms. The sigma bonds are formed by the end-to-end overlap of orbitals.