Campbell Biology (11th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13409-341-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-13409-341-3

Chapter 2 - 2.3 - Concept Check - Page 40: 1

Answer

H-C=C-H fails to make sense chemically because in order for the carbons' valence shells to be full in this covalent bonding, there must be 4 bonds to Carbon. Both carbons in this compound only have 3 bonds.

Work Step by Step

This molecule may exist as an intermediate in a chemical reaction, but it is too unstable to exist more than momentarily. Either another hydrogen must be bonded to either carbon (forming ethylene) or the C-C bond must be a triple bond (forming acetylene). These triple bonds are significantly less stable, however, and acetylene is a considerably less preferable arrangement.
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