Directions: Use the principles of atomic structure and/or chemical bonding to explain each of the following. In each part, your answer must include references to both substances.

Problem: The carbon-to-carbon bond energy in c2h4 is greater than it is in c2h6.

Any help is appreciated.

1 answer

The C=C bond in C2H4 is a double bond whereas it is a C-C single bond in C2H6. Double bonds are shorter and stronger than single bonds.