What are single and double covalent bonds?

Question

Nolan Allen · Accepted Answer

Single bonds are overlap of one pairs of orbitals (sharing of 2 valence electrons between two atoms); double bonds require overlap of two pairs of orbitals (2 pairs of shared electrons)

One valence orbital of each atom overlaps in space in a single bond, which is a sigma bond. Typically, s- or p-orbitals are involved. Each atom in a double bond possesses two orbitals that overlap: either two p-orbitals (two pi bonds) or one s-orbital and one p-orbital (a sigma and a pi bond). The C-to-C bond in ethane or ethene is an example of how the same two atoms can form a single, double, or triple bond in different compounds—especially when it comes to carbon. Chemists studying the properties of these bonds discover that single bonds are both weaker and longer than double bonds; by weaker, we mean that less energy is needed to break the bond; this is based on the principle that when atoms share a single pair of electrons, the electric force between the nuclei and the electrons is smaller than when atoms share two pairs of electrons.

Madison Anderson · Answer

undefined Single covalent bonds involve the sharing of one pair of electrons between two atoms, resulting in the formation of a single bond. Double covalent bonds involve the sharing of two pairs of electrons between two atoms, resulting in the formation of a double bond.