How do single covalent bonds form?
1 Answer
The direct overlap and sharing of electrons between two atoms of roughly equal electro negativity
Explanation:
An example is the formation of bonds in Methane. The Carbon atom hybridizes it four valance electrons into 4 equal
The 1s hydrogen orbital overlaps with one of the 4
This new bond provides Hydrogen with the density of two electrons.
Hydrogen becomes stable with two electrons in its outer valance shell, similar to Helium.
By forming 4 covalent bonds with 4 hydrogens Carbon has access to the density of 8 electrons. Carbon with 8 electrons in its out valance shell becomes stable similarly to Neon.
The direct sharing of electron density by the overlap of electron orbitals allows atoms to achieve greater stability.
