Question

Why is it not possible for a ring of four carbon molecules to have double bonds?

a) Lack of symmetry
b) Overlapping orbitals
c) Ring strain
d) Strong repulsion

Answer 1

A ring of four carbon molecules cannot have double bonds due to the high ring strain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why a ring of four carbon molecules cannot have double bonds is due to the ring strain that would be present. In larger rings, such as cyclohexane, the ring can undergo a puckering to minimize the angle strain. However, in a four-membered ring, the ring strain is too high to accommodate the presence of double bonds.