The structure of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is shown here. How many sigma bonds?

Key Concepts

Sigma Bonds

Sigma bonds are the strongest type of covalent bond formed by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals. Each sigma bond allows for free rotation around the bond axis and is characterized by a cylindrical symmetry around the bond. In organic molecules, sigma bonds are typically formed between carbon and other atoms, such as hydrogen or oxygen.

Molecular Structure

The molecular structure refers to the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, including the types of bonds and the spatial orientation of these atoms. Understanding the molecular structure is crucial for determining the number of sigma bonds, as it helps visualize how atoms are connected and the types of orbitals involved in bonding.

Counting Bonds in Organic Compounds

Counting bonds in organic compounds involves identifying all the covalent bonds present in the molecular structure. Each single bond represents one sigma bond, while double and triple bonds consist of one sigma bond and one or two pi bonds, respectively. This process is essential for understanding the bonding framework of molecules like acetylsalicylic acid.