How are sigma bonds counted?

1 Answer
Jan 9, 2017

Count the number of single bonds you have plus the number of double bonds plus the number of triple bonds. Keep in mind double and triple bonds have only 1 sigma bond!

Explanation:

Counting sigma bonds in a molecule is very easy. All you need to know are the following rules:
1. Single bond = 1 sigma bond
2. Double bond = 1 sigma and one pi bond
3. Triple bond = 1 sigma and 2 pi bonds.

For example, if i have a molecule with 4 single bonds and 1 double bond, that means I have 5 sigma bonds ( 4 from the single bonds and 1 from the double bond). A molecule that has a triple bond, 2 double bonds and 3 single bonds, has 6 sigma bonds (1 from triple bond, 2 from double bonds and 3 from single bonds).

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