How many bonds can there be between two atoms?

In summary, many metal-metal bonded complexes contain more than triple bonds, such as quadruple bonds in complexes with Cr-Cr and Re-Re, and even sextuple bonds in complexes like diatomic ditungsten (W2) and dimolybdenum (Mo2). Some diatomic uranium complexes have quintuple bonds as well. These complex bonds involve the sharing of greater than 4 electrons per bond and have been reported by F. A. Cotton's group.
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jerromyjon
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Are there any elements or molecules that exchange greater than 4 electrons per bond? I just thought of something off the wall and have no idea what to even google.
 
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What about a triple bond in acetylene?
 
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Likes jim mcnamara, Borek, NFuller and 1 other person
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I believe several Diatomic uranium complexes have quintuple bond.

A lot of metal-metal bonded complexes contain more than triple bond.

For example, F. A. Cotton's group reported complexes with Cr-Cr and Re-Re quadruple bond. I believe their group also reported sextuple bond as Ygggdrasil said.
 

1. How many bonds can there be between two atoms?

The number of bonds between two atoms depends on the number of valence electrons each atom has. Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom that participate in bonding. Atoms will typically form bonds until they have eight valence electrons, known as the octet rule. This means that most atoms can form up to four bonds with other atoms.

2. Can two atoms form more than four bonds?

Yes, there are some exceptions to the octet rule. For example, elements in the third row of the periodic table or higher, such as sulfur and phosphorus, can form more than four bonds. These elements can expand their octet and form five or even six bonds with other atoms.

3. How do atoms determine the number of bonds they can form?

The number of bonds an atom can form is determined by its number of valence electrons. Atoms with one to four valence electrons will typically form one, two, three, or four bonds, respectively. Atoms with five to seven valence electrons will typically form three, two, or one bond, respectively. Elements with eight valence electrons, such as noble gases, do not usually form bonds.

4. Can two atoms with the same number of valence electrons form different numbers of bonds?

Yes, the type of bond formed between two atoms can also affect the number of bonds they can form. For example, in covalent bonds, atoms share electrons to achieve an octet, so the number of bonds formed will depend on the number of electrons needed to complete the octet. In ionic bonds, one atom will transfer its valence electrons to another, so the number of bonds formed may not necessarily follow the octet rule.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect the number of bonds between two atoms?

Yes, the type of atom and its position in the periodic table can also affect the number of bonds it can form. For example, atoms with a higher electronegativity, or ability to attract electrons, will typically form more bonds. Additionally, atoms with larger atomic radii, or size, can accommodate more bonds due to the increased distance between the nucleus and valence electrons.

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