Multiple Choice
How many pi bonds are present in the molecule C₄H₆O?
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Sigma & Pi Bonds
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Draw the total number of sigma and pi bonds of the sulfur trioxide molecule, SO3.
A
4 sigma, 0 pi
B
3 sigma, 1 pi
C
2 sigma, 2 pi
D
1 sigma, 3 pi
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure of sulfur trioxide (SO3). Sulfur is the central atom surrounded by three oxygen atoms.
Step 2: Determine the type of bonds present. Sigma (σ) bonds are single covalent bonds formed by the direct overlap of orbitals, while pi (π) bonds are formed by the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals.
Step 3: Draw the Lewis structure of SO3. Sulfur typically forms double bonds with oxygen in SO3, resulting in one sigma bond and one pi bond per double bond.
Step 4: Count the sigma bonds. Each sulfur-oxygen double bond contains one sigma bond, so with three oxygen atoms, there are three sigma bonds in total.
Step 5: Count the pi bonds. Each sulfur-oxygen double bond also contains one pi bond, so there is a total of three pi bonds in the molecule.
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