Question

Which of the following statements about two carbon atoms double bonded to each other (C=C) is correct?

A. None of these statements about carbon-carbon double bonds is correct.
B. The double bond is longer than a corresponding carbon-carbon single bond.
C. The double bond allows free rotation of the molecule at the bond position.
D. Double bonds can be found in an unsaturated fatty acid.
E. Each of the two carbons is capable of bonding to three other atoms.

Answer 1

The correct statement is that double bonds can be found in an unsaturated fatty acid. They are shorter than single bonds and restrict rotation, creating a planar structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements provided about two carbon atoms double-bonded to each other (C=C), the correct one is that double bonds can be found in an unsaturated fatty acid. Double bonds have a significant impact on the molecular structure and properties of fatty acids.

Unlike single bonds, a carbon-carbon double bond is shorter and does not allow for free rotation, because it has both a sigma (o) and a pi (\u03c0) bond, which creates a rigid planar structure. This rigidity is responsible for the different properties of unsaturated vs saturated fats. Specifically, each double-bonded carbon is capable of making a total of four bonds, including the double bond itself, so it can only bond to two other atoms.