Triple bond

Definition

A triple bond is a type of chemical bond where three pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms. It is typically found in molecules like nitrogen (N₂) and acetylene (C₂H₂).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Triple bonds consist of one sigma bond and two pi bonds.
2. Molecules with triple bonds are generally shorter and stronger than those with single or double bonds.
3. The presence of a triple bond often results in linear molecular geometry around the bonded atoms.
4. Triple bonds can be represented in Lewis structures by three parallel lines between the bonded atoms.
5. Compounds containing triple bonds tend to have higher reactivity due to the electron density concentrated between the atoms.

Review Questions

• What type of molecular geometry is associated with a triple bond?
• How many sigma and pi bonds make up a triple bond?
• Why are triple bonds generally shorter and stronger than single or double bonds?

Related terms

Sigma Bond:

A sigma bond is a type of covalent bond formed by the direct overlap of atomic orbitals, resulting in a single shared electron pair.

Pi Bond: A pi bond is a type of covalent bond formed by the side-by-side overlap of atomic orbitals, sharing electron pairs above and below the plane of the nuclei.

Lewis Structure:

A Lewis structure is a diagram that represents the bonding between atoms in a molecule as well as any lone pairs of electrons.