Chapter 8.3, Problem 27LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

No. of sigma and pi bonds in an ethyne molecule is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Sigma bond: These are the strongest type of covalent bond because they are formed by head-to-head overlapping of atomic orbitals.

Pi-bond: These bonds are relatively weaker and are formed by side-by-side overlapping of atomic orbitals. The electrons that participate in pi bond formation are referred to as pi electrons.

Answer to Problem 27LC

There will be $\text{3}$ sigma and $\text{2}$ pi-bond in ${\text{C}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ .

Explanation of Solution

We will draw the structure of ethyne molecules:

  

Each of the atoms is connected to at least one single bond which will be a sigma and pi-bond.

Therefore, there are three sigma bonds and two pi-bonds in ethyne.

Conclusion

Sigma and pi bonds are among the types of covalent bonds that can be distinguished by the type of overlap between $\text{2}$ atomic orbitals. The covalent bond is generally formed by the overlapping of orbitals.