M

Multiple Bond

Multiple bond: double (C=C, C=O) or triple (C≡C, C≡N) bonds
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationMultiple bond: double (C=C, C=O) or triple (C≡C, C≡N) bonds
Also Known AsDouble bond (C=C, C=O), triple bond (C≡C, C≡N), pi bond (component)

What is Multiple Bond?

A chemical bond in which two atoms share more than one pair of electrons. Double bonds consist of one sigma and one pi bond; triple bonds consist of one sigma and two pi bonds. Multiple bonds are shorter, stronger, and restrict rotation around the bond axis.

Formula & Notation

Multiple bond: double (C=C, C=O) or triple (C≡C, C≡N) bonds

Other Names / Synonyms: Double bond (C=C, C=O), triple bond (C≡C, C≡N), pi bond (component)

Properties & Characteristics

A multiple bond consists of two or more electron pairs shared between two atoms. A double bond (bond order 2) consists of one σ bond and one π bond; a triple bond (bond order 3) consists of one σ bond and two π bonds. Multiple bonds are shorter and stronger than single bonds between the same elements (e.g., C=C: 134 pm, 614 kJ/mol vs. C-C: 154 pm, 346 kJ/mol). Multiple bonds restrict rotation around the bond axis (important for geometric isomerism in alkenes).

Uses & Applications

Multiple bonds are fundamental to: alkene and alkyne chemistry (electrophilic and nucleophilic additions), carbonyl chemistry (nucleophilic additions to C=O), aromatic stabilisation (delocalised π bonds), Diels-Alder cycloadditions, organometallic π-bonding (metal-alkene complexes), and biological molecules (C=O in amide bonds, C=N in heme, C≡N in cyanide).

Safety Information

Compounds with multiple bonds often undergo addition reactions — releasing energy. Reactions of alkenes and alkynes with oxidising agents (O₃, KMnO₄, H₂O₂) can be exothermic or explosive. Carbon monoxide (C≡O) binds to haemoglobin and cytochrome enzymes, causing acute toxicity.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Multiple Bond
Formula Multiple bond: double (C=C, C=O) or triple (C≡C, C≡N) bonds
Synonyms Double bond (C=C, C=O), triple bond (C≡C, C≡N), pi bond (component)

Frequently Asked Questions

A chemical bond in which two atoms share more than one pair of electrons. Double bonds consist of one sigma and one pi bond; triple bonds consist of one sigma and two pi bonds. Multiple bonds are shorter, stronger, and restrict rotation around the bond axis.

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