Answer:
Total number of sigma bonds = 7
Total number of pi bonds = 0
Carbon-carbon sigma bond is formed by the overlap of sp³ hybridized orbital of one carbon and sp³ hybridized orbital of other carbon.
Explanation:
Ethane is a linear alkane molecule as it is a saturated hydrocarbon molecule with no branching. This organic molecule is composed of 2 carbon atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms.
Since it is a saturated molecule, therefore, there are no pi bonds.
The molecular formula for ethane is: C₂H₆.
The structure of ethane is: H₃C - CH₃
Both the carbon atoms of the ethane molecule are sp³ hybridized. Therefore, each carbon atom has four sp³ hybridized orbitals.
In an ethane molecule, each carbon atom forms 3 sigma bonds with three hydrogen atoms, by the overlap of three sp³ hybridized orbitals with three 1s orbitals of three hydrogen atoms.
Therefore, the total number of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) sigma bonds in ethane = 3×2 = 6
While the remaining one sp³ hybridized orbital of one carbon atom overlaps with one sp³ hybridized orbital of the second carbon to form 1 carbon-carbon sigma bond.
Therefore, the total number of carbon-carbon (C-C) sigma bonds in ethane = 1
Therefore, the total number of sigma bonds in ethane = (C-C) sigma bonds + (C-H) sigma bonds = 6 + 1 = 7 sigma bonds.
