How do single double and triple bonds compare?

Question

Paisley Boney · Accepted Answer

They differ in the number of electrons that are shared between the two atoms.

A single bond is a sigma bond formed by the head on overlapping of σ orbitals of bonding atoms.

In multiple bonds there are, in addition to a sigma bond, pi bonds, which are formed by sideways overlap of #"p"# orbitals of the bonding atoms.

A sigma bond is stronger than a pi bond, which can be accounted for by the less effective sideways overlap in pi bonds than the head on/end on overlap in a sigma bond.

So, simply, a double bond contains one sigma bond and one pi bond while a triple bond contains one sigma bond and two pi bonds.

The order of strength of bonds is

Triple bond > Double bond > Single bond.

Carter Allen · Answer

undefined Single, double, and triple bonds are types of chemical bonds formed between atoms in molecules. The key differences between them lie in the number of shared electrons and the strength of the bond. In a single bond, two atoms share one pair of electrons. In a double bond, two atoms share two pairs of electrons. In a triple bond, two atoms share three pairs of electrons. As a result, triple bonds are stronger than double bonds, and double bonds are stronger than single bonds. Additionally, the length of the bond increases as the number of shared electrons decreases, so triple bonds are shorter than double bonds, which are shorter than single bonds.