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double bond
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Molecules with double bonds chemical bond
Molecules with double bonds
Molecules with double bonds Aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic esters, amides, acyl chlorides, and anhydrides are examples of derivatives of carboxylic acid.

double bond

chemical bonding
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multiple bond
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Top Questions

What is a double bond in chemistry?

How does a double bond influence molecules?

What are the components of a double bond?

In what types of molecules do double bonds commonly occur?

double bond, type of covalent bond in which two pairs of electrons (four electrons total) are shared between two atoms. It is represented by two parallel lines (=) in structural formulas, such as H2C=CH2 in ethylene (also called ethene). Double bonds are crucial in organic chemistry and biological systems because they influence the shape, reactivity, and function of molecules.

Double bonds are stronger and shorter than single bonds. They contain both a sigma bond (similar to that found in a single bond) and a pi bond. Pi bonds prevent free rotation around the bond axis and thus require significant amounts of energy to break or rotate. Because of this, double bonds impart rigidity to molecules. They occur in molecules such as alkenes (e.g., ethylene) and are a feature of compounds that contain carbonyl groups, including aldehydes and ketones.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.