Multiple Choice
In Lewis dot structures, when are multiple bonds (double or triple bonds) required between atoms?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Sigma & Pi Bonds
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How many sigma bonds does the following molecule contain?
A
12
B
8
C
9
D
10
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the structure of the molecule in the image. The molecule is propanone, commonly known as acetone, with the chemical formula C3H6O.
Understand that a sigma bond (σ bond) is the strongest type of covalent chemical bond formed by the head-on overlapping of atomic orbitals.
Count the number of single bonds in the molecule. Each single bond is a sigma bond. In the structure, each carbon atom forms single bonds with hydrogen atoms and other carbon atoms.
Observe that the central carbon atom is double-bonded to the oxygen atom. In a double bond, one bond is a sigma bond and the other is a pi bond. Therefore, the C=O bond contains one sigma bond.
Add up all the sigma bonds: 6 C-H bonds, 2 C-C bonds, and 1 C=O bond, resulting in a total of 9 sigma bonds in the molecule.
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