C-C Bond Type in Acetone: Sigma-Bond?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of C-C bonds in acetone, specifically questioning whether these bonds are classified as sigma bonds. Participants explore the hybridization of carbon atoms in acetone and the implications for bond types, touching on generalizations about single bonds.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the central carbon in acetone is sp2 hybridized and forms a sigma bond and a pi bond with oxygen, questioning the bond type of the C-C bonds.
  • Another participant asserts that the lower carbon atoms are sp3 hybridized, suggesting that the C-C bond is a sigma bond and proposes that all single bonds might be sigma bonds.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the existence of single bonds that are not sigma bonds, noting this as a potential rule of thumb.
  • One participant defines a sigma bond as a single bond and speculates on the naming convention of bond types.
  • Another participant echoes the definition of a sigma bond as a single bond and asks for the source of this information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of C-C bonds in acetone and the generalization of single bonds as sigma bonds. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the definitions and classifications of bond types, as well as the implications of hybridization on bond characteristics. Some assumptions about bond types may depend on specific contexts or definitions that are not fully explored in the discussion.

JonnyG
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I know that in acetone the central carbon atom is ##sp^2## hybridized. It is bonded to the single oxygen atom with a ##\sigma##-bond and a ##\pi##-bond. But what is the bond type with the two C-C bonds? The lower carbon atoms are ##sp^3## hybridized and so their geometry is tetrahedral. Are the two "lower" carbon atoms oriented such that the C-C bond is a ##\sigma##-bond? If so, can we generalize this and say that all single bonds are ##\sigma##-bonds?
 
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On the other carbon atoms, all p orbitals have been hybridized into sp3, so there are no possibilities of making π bonds.

I don't know of a single example of a single bond that is not a σ bond. That may be wrong, but it is at least a very good rule of thumb.
 
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JonnyG said:
I know that in acetone the central carbon atom is ##sp^2## hybridized. It is bonded to the single oxygen atom with a ##\sigma##-bond and a ##\pi##-bond. But what is the bond type with the two C-C bonds? The lower carbon atoms are ##sp^3## hybridized and so their geometry is tetrahedral. Are the two "lower" carbon atoms oriented such that the C-C bond is a ##\sigma##-bond? If so, can we generalize this and say that all single bonds are ##\sigma##-bonds?

How is a sigma bond defined?
 
A sigma bond is defined as a single bond lol. My guess is it's defined according to the same alphabetical principle as the "spdf" of orbitals. That is, sigma, pi, delta, phi. Am I wrong?
 
olle isaxon said:
A sigma bond is defined as a single bond lol.
Where did you read that?
 

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