What is the Difference Between Double Bond and Single Bond?

The main difference between a single bond and a double bond lies in the number of electron pairs shared between two atoms. Here is a comparison of the two types of bonds:

• Single Bond:
• A single bond is formed when two atoms share one pair of electrons.
• In a single bond, valence electrons are shared equally between two atoms, resulting in an equal attraction between them.
• Single bonds are also called sigma bonds, except for the bond in diboron (B2), which is a pi bond.
• Examples of single bonds can be found in diatomic molecules like H2, F2, HCl, and CH4.
• Double Bond:
• A double bond is formed when two atoms share two pairs of electrons (four electrons in total).
• In a double bond, valence electrons are shared unequally between two atoms, resulting in a stronger attraction between them compared to a single bond.
• Double bonds consist of one sigma bond and one pi bond.
• Examples of double bonds can be found in molecules like O2, CO2, and certain unsaturated hydrocarbons.

In summary, the key difference between single and double bonds is the number of electron pairs shared between two atoms. Single bonds share one electron pair, while double bonds share two electron pairs. This difference results in varying levels of bond strength, with double bonds being stronger than single bonds.

Comparative Table: Double Bond vs Single Bond

The main difference between a single bond and a double bond lies in the number of electron pairs shared between two atoms. Here is a comparison between single and double bonds:

In a single bond, two atoms share one pair of electrons, which results in a bond order of 1. However, in a double bond, two atoms share two pairs of electrons (four electrons), which results in a bond order of 2. Double bonds are longer than single bonds due to the additional electron pairs being shared between the atoms, causing a stronger attractive force.