Single bond

Definition

A single bond is a chemical bond between two atoms involving the sharing of one pair of electrons. It is represented by a single line between the two atoms in Lewis structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Single bonds are the longest and weakest type of covalent bond compared to double and triple bonds.
2. Single bonds involve the sharing of one pair of valence electrons between two atoms.
3. They are typically formed between nonmetals such as hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen.
4. In Lewis structures, single bonds are denoted by a single line (e.g., H-H or C-H).
5. Single bonds allow for free rotation around the bond axis due to their sigma ($\sigma$) bond nature.

Review Questions

• What type of electron sharing occurs in a single bond?
• How is a single bond represented in Lewis structures?
• Why do single bonds allow for free rotation around the bond axis?

Related terms

Double Bond:

A chemical bond where two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms, represented by two lines in Lewis structures.

Triple Bond:

A chemical bond involving three pairs of shared electrons between two atoms, represented by three lines in Lewis structures.

$\sigma$ Bond: The strongest type of covalent bond formed by the direct overlap of atomic orbitals along the axis connecting two nuclei.