What hybridization is involved in the carbon-carbon bonds?

1 Answer
Stefan V.
Dec 26, 2014

A carbon atom can form a covalent bond with another carbon atom, the most common way this is done being through a single bond (or a sigma bond).

In such a case, the sigma bond is formed between one hybridized orbital from each of the two carbon atoms.

In alkanes like ethane, carbon's orbitals are #sp^3# hybridized - this means that one s orbital and three p orbitals come together to form four #sp^3# hybrid orbitals. Single bonds can form between carbon atoms with other hybridizations as well (#sp^2# with #sp^2#, for example).

In alkenes, carbon atoms can form double bonds; these bonds, consisting of one sigma and one pi bond, are formed with an #sp^2# hybridized orbital and an unhybridized p orbital.

In alkynes, the carbon atoms can form triple bonds; these bonds, consisting of one sigma and two pi bonds, are formed with an #sp# hybridized orbital and two unhybridized p orbitals.

http://www.biologyjunction.com/biochemistry_notes_bi_ch3.htm

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