Chapter 8, Problem 85A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Among $\text{CO}$, ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ and ${\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ which bond is shortest and which $\text{C}-\text{O}$ bond is strongest needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

In case of covalent bonds, the bond strength depends on the distance between the bonded nuclei of two atoms. Bond length is the distance between the maximum attractions of $2$ bonded nuclei. It depends on the bonding atoms size and electrons pairs they share.

Answer to Problem 85A

$\text{C}-\text{O}$ bond in $\text{CO}$ is the strongest and shortest bond among them.

Explanation of Solution

Bond strength and bond length are related to each other. If bond length is shorter than the bond is stronger. The $\text{CO}$ has one triple bond, ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ and ${\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ contain two and one double bond respectively. With an increase in the number of shared electron pair, the bond length decreases. In triple bond, two atoms share three electrons pair. Hence, $\text{C}-\text{O}$ bond in $\text{CO}$ is the strongest and shortest bond.

Conclusion

In double bond, two atoms share two electrons pair while in single bond one electrons pair is shared.