Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
CARBON-CARBON MULTIPLE BONDS
H
H
Single bond
ethane
HCCH
H
H
HCCH
Double bond
ethylene
HH
Triple bond
acetylene
HCCH
Carbon likes to form bonds so well with itself that it can form multiple bonds
to satisfy its valence of four. When two carbon atoms are linked with a single
bond and their other valencies (three each) are satisfied by hydrogens, the
compound is ethane. When two carbons are linked by a double bond (two
covalent bonds) and their other valencies (two each) are satisfied by hydro-
gens, the compound is ethylene. When two carbons are linked by a triple
bond (three covalent bonds) and their other valencies (one each) are satisfied
by hydrogens, the compound is acetylene.
