Question

The structure of linalool, a compound with a floral scent used in perfumes, How many pi bonds are shown in the structure?

Answer 1

`2`.

Explanation:

There are two types of carbon-carbon covalent bonds:

• `sigma` (sigma) bonds due to the head-on/axial overlapping of atomic orbitals
• `pi` (pi) bonds as a result of the side-way/lateral overlapping of `p` orbitals

All carbon-carbon single bonds `"C"-"C"` are sigma `sigma` bonds; they contain no `pi` bonds.

Sigma bonds and pi bonds combine to form covalent bonds of orders higher than one. For example, each carbon-carbon double bond contains

• one `sigma` sigma bond, and
• one `pi` pi bond.

as seen in the diagram

The organic molecule shown in the question contains two carbon-carbon double bonds (shown in red). As a result, this molecule has two `pi` pi bonds.