Which sequence below represents the proper order of increasing bond strength?

• A. single bond < triple bond < double bond
• B. double bond < single bond < triple bond
• C. triple bond < double bond < single bond
• D. single bond < double bond < triple bond

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that bond strength generally increases with the number of shared electron pairs between two atoms. A single bond involves one pair of shared electrons, a double bond involves two pairs, and a triple bond involves three pairs.
2. Understand that more shared electron pairs result in a stronger attraction between the bonded atoms, which increases the bond strength.
3. Compare the bond types: single bonds have the least number of shared electron pairs, double bonds have more, and triple bonds have the most.
4. Therefore, the order of increasing bond strength should start with the single bond, followed by the double bond, and finally the triple bond as the strongest.
5. Express this order mathematically as: \(\text{single bond} < \text{double bond} < \text{triple bond}\).