Covalent bonds can be single, double or triple covalent bond. How many electrons are shared in each? Give an example of each type.
Covalent bond: A chemical bond formed by the mutual sharing of electrons between the atoms of an element in order to attain stable nearest noble gas configuration is called a covalent bond.
Types of covalent bond:
On the basis of the number of bonds between two atoms, covalent bond can be single, double or triple covalent bond.
Single covalent bond | Double covalent bond | Triple covalent bond | |
Number of bonds | One | Two | Three |
Number of electrons shared | 2 electrons or 1 pair | 4 electrons or 2 pairs | 6 electrons or 3 pairs |
Representation of bond | One line (-) | Two lines (=) | Three lines (≡) |
Examples | Ethane (C2H6) Hydrogen molecule (H2) | Ethene (C2H4) Oxygen molecule (O2) | Ethyne (C2H2) Nitrogen molecule (N2) |