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Ch.8 - Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding
Chapter 8, Problem 77

A new compound has a C—O bond length of 120 pm. Is this bond likely to be a single, double, or triple C—O bond?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the typical bond lengths for C—O bonds. Single C—O bonds are generally longer than double or triple bonds, with typical lengths around 143 pm. Double bonds are shorter, around 120 pm, and triple bonds are even shorter, around 113 pm.
Step 2: Compare the given bond length of 120 pm to the typical bond lengths for C—O bonds. This will help determine the type of bond present in the compound.
Step 3: Analyze the bond length of 120 pm. Since it is closer to the typical length of a double bond, consider the possibility that the bond is a double bond.
Step 4: Consider the context of the compound and any additional information that might suggest the presence of resonance or other structural factors that could affect bond length.
Step 5: Conclude that based on the bond length of 120 pm, the C—O bond is most likely a double bond, as it matches the typical length for a C—O double bond.