What is the number of covalent bonds possible between two carbon atoms in an organic molecule?

Question

I am having trouble with this question. Any help will be deeply appreicated.

Answer 1

Well, the valency of a Carbon atom is four. So it generally forms a maximum of four bonds. But two carbon atoms cannot share all the 4 of their valence electrons as it would make it unstable. And we find only a maximum of a trple bond betweeen two carbon atoms.

Out of the two bonds, one is Sigma while other two Pi. The remaining electron is shared with hydrogen atoms or other atoms. These are called alkynes basically.

Another type of compunds with double bond(1 sigma , 1 pi) also exist.

The remaining electron deficiency is completed by covalent bonding with other atoms, like hydrogen. They are Alkenes.

Other types include Arenes, Alkanes, etc..

Thus we conclude that there can be 1, 2, or a maximum of 3 bonds between two Carbon atoms.

I hope it helped you. Please vote my answer as best in return. ;)

Answer 2

You could have three bonds, one sigma and two pi bonds.  Linear compounds with a triple bond in it would be called alkynes.

Or you could have two bonds, one sigma and one pi bond.  Linear compounds with a double bond in it would be called alkenes.  Ring compounds would be aromatics or cycloalkenes.

Or you could have a single bond, one sigma bond.  Compounds with a single bond in it would be called alkanes, or cycloalkanes if they have a ring structure.