Multiple Bond Definition in Chemistry

This is the chemical structure of ethene, also known as ethylene.
This is the chemical structure of ethene. The double bond between the two carbon atoms is a multiple bond. Todd Helmenstine
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on August 08, 2019

In chemistry, a multiple bond is a chemical bond where two or more electron pairs are shared between two atoms. Double and triple bonds are multiple bonds.

In a double bond, four bonding electrons participate in the bond rather than two electrons in a single bond. Double bonds are found in azo compounds (N=N), sulfoxides (S=O), and imines (C=N). The equal sign is typically used to denote a double bond.

A triple bond involves six bonding electrons. The triple bond is drawn using three parallel lines (≡). The most common triple bond occurs in alkynes. Molecular nitrogen (N2) is an excellent example of a compound with a triple bond (N≡N).Triple bonds are stronger than double or single bonds.

Source

  • March, Jerry (1985). Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure (3rd ed.). New York: Wiley. ISBN 0-471-85472-7.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Multiple Bond Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-multiple-bond-605379. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 25). Multiple Bond Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-multiple-bond-605379 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Multiple Bond Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-multiple-bond-605379 (accessed March 24, 2023).