Double bond

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A type of covalent bond in which four electrons are shared between two atoms, as opposed to two electrons being shared between two atoms in a single bond. A different spatial arrangment of the pi and sigma electron orbitals makes the orbitals overlap [1] to create the double bond which gives a more rigid structure and prevents any rotation around the double bond. This property gives rise to cis-trans isomerism [2] [3]. Double bonds are often found in alkenes and ring structures, where the double bond gives more stability due to resonance. They are more reactive than single bonds because they are more electron rich.

References

  1. Fry, M. Page, E. (2008) Catch up Chemistry, 3rd Edition, Banbury: Scion Publishing Ltd. Chapter 2, Page 23
  2. Alberts, B. et al. (2007) Molecular Biology Of The Cell, 5th edition, New York, Garland Science. Chapter 2, Page 106.
  3. Carey, Francis A., Sundberg, Richard J (2007) Advanced Organic Chemistry 5th Edition
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