Triple bond

Dehydrobenzoannulene

Acetylene-CRC-IR-dimensions-2D

Cyanogen-2D-dimensions

Carbon monoxide 2D

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W2(OC(CH3)3)6

Triple bond refers to a type of chemical bond in which three pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms. This bond is characterized by the sharing of six electrons, with each atom contributing three electrons to the bond. Triple bonds are stronger and shorter than double bonds and single bonds, making molecules containing them quite reactive in some cases. The most common examples of triple bonds are found in alkynes, a class of hydrocarbons, with acetylene (C₂H₂) being the simplest and most well-known alkyne.

Characteristics

Triple bonds are composed of one σ (sigma) bond and two π (pi) bonds. The σ bond is formed by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals, while the π bonds are formed by the side-to-side overlap of two p orbitals from each atom. This configuration grants the triple bond its linear geometry, resulting in a 180-degree bond angle around the bonded atoms.

Bond Strength and Length

Due to the greater amount of electron sharing, triple bonds are significantly stronger than both single and double bonds. This increased bond strength also results in a shorter bond length, making the bonded atoms closer together. The high bond energy and short bond distance contribute to the reactivity of compounds containing triple bonds.

Chemical Reactivity

Molecules with triple bonds, such as alkynes, are known for their ability to undergo addition reactions. These reactions often involve the breaking of the triple bond to form two new bonds, leading to a variety of chemical products. For example, alkynes can undergo hydrogenation to become alkenes or alkanes, depending on the conditions and catalysts used.

Occurrence

Beyond organic chemistry, triple bonds are also found in inorganic compounds. One notable example is the nitrogen molecule (N₂), which contains a triple bond between its two nitrogen atoms, making it exceptionally stable and inert under normal conditions.

Applications

The reactivity of triple-bonded compounds, particularly alkynes, has been harnessed in various chemical syntheses and industrial processes. Acetylene, for instance, is widely used as a fuel and a building block in organic synthesis. The ability to selectively break and reform triple bonds allows chemists to construct complex molecules for pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other materials.

See Also

• Chemical bond
• Alkyne
• Acetylene
• Hydrocarbon
• Hydrogenation