Covalent structures and bonding
Read our general notes on Risk Assessment
What do we need to know about multiple bonds for AS level?
You need to know the following about multiple bonds for the AS:
- atoms of non-metals can combine by forming double or triple bonds, sharing two or three pairs of electrons
- double and triple bonds consist of a sigma bond and one or two pi bonds (you should know the electron clouds in double bonds)
- the pi bonds are, in the case of carbon atoms, weaker than the sigma bond...
- ...which results in the possibility of addition reactions
- double and triple bonds can be treated as single electron-rich regions for the purposes of working out bond angles
- double bonds can delocalise in some circumstances, particularly in the benzene ring
- special properties apply to the double C=O bond in carbonyl compounds and acids
- a triple bond exists in the cyanide (nitrile) group CN
Risk assessment
Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on this website.
For further guidance see our tutorial on Risk Assessment.
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updated: 25 August 2003
