Question

a certain molecule contains two carbon atoms joined by a single bond. what is the greatest number of other atoms the carbon atoms can be bonded to directly? a. 4 b. 5 c. 6 d. 8

Explanation:

Step1: Recall carbon - bonding capacity

Carbon has a valency of 4, meaning it can form 4 covalent bonds.

Step2: Analyze two - carbon situation

There are two carbon atoms joined by a single bond. Each carbon atom has 3 remaining bonding sites for other atoms. So in total, \(3 + 3=6\) other atoms can be bonded directly to the two - carbon atoms.

Answer:

C. 6