Question

How are sigma bonds counted?

Answer 1

Count the number of single bonds you have plus the number of double bonds plus the number of triple bonds. Keep in mind double and triple bonds have only 1 sigma bond!

Explanation:

Counting sigma bonds in a molecule is very easy. All you need to know are the following rules:
1. Single bond = 1 sigma bond
2. Double bond = 1 sigma and one pi bond
3. Triple bond = 1 sigma and 2 pi bonds.

For example, if i have a molecule with 4 single bonds and 1 double bond, that means I have 5 sigma bonds ( 4 from the single bonds and 1 from the double bond). A molecule that has a triple bond, 2 double bonds and 3 single bonds, has 6 sigma bonds (1 from triple bond, 2 from double bonds and 3 from single bonds).

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