Which of the following molecules has five σ bonds and one π bond?

(a) #"C"_2"H"_6#
(b) #"C"_2"H"_3"Cl"#
(c) #"C"_2"H"_2"Cl"#
(d) #"C"_2"H"_4#

1 Answer
Ernest Z.
Apr 18, 2017

The correct answer is d) #"C"_2"H"_4#.

Explanation:

a) #"C"_2"H"_6#

www.chem1.com

Ethane has six σ bonds formed by the overlap of #bb"sp"^3# and #"s"# orbitals.

b) #"C"_2"H"_3"Cl"#

web.chem.ucla.edu

This compound has only three σ bonds (the #"C-H"# bonds) formed by the overlap of #"sp"^2# and #"s"# orbitals.

c) #"C"_2"H"_2"Cl"#

This compound does not exist.

d) #"C"_2"H"_4#

wps.prenhall.com

Ethylene has (i) four σ bonds formed by the overlapping of #"sp"^2# and #"s"# orbitals;
(ii) one σ bond formed by overlapping of two #"sp"^2# orbital; and (iii) one π bond formed by overlap of two #"p"# orbitals.

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