2 carbon atoms

NiamhDunk

can two carbon atoms join together and form a carbon carbon quadruple bond?

cianl1

Possible but extremely unlikely. Think of the tetrahedral structure of carbon. One electron from each carbon would form a sigma bond, no problem. Next the two nearest electrons in each carbon would strech together to form the two pi bonds/double bond thus giving a triple bond. The last two electons would have to stretch and enormous amount to form a bond with each other. So much so that it's stability would be in jeopardy.

See this site:
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/newton/askasci/1993/chem/CHEM049.HTM

Also, what kind of practical use would the two carbons bond entirely to each other? None as far as I can tell. At the very least allotropes have more than one other atom to bond to. Organic compounds work because of their functional groups, be that a -COOH or just a hydrogen.

Does that answer everything?

craggles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromium%28II%29_acetate

This has a quadruple bond madeup of a sigma bond, two pi bonds and a... wait for it... delta bond!

NiamhDunk

cianl1 wrote: »

Also, what kind of practical use would the two carbons bond entirely to each other?

thanks very much man. the only practical use i thought would be that both carbons would have a full outer shell...:o

cianl1

Talking about carbon not transition metals man. They're in a league of their own.

craggles

I know but I thought i'd throw it in since it's interesting.