MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 41: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 41

11. Why is a single bond stronger than a π bond?

I. π bonds have greater orbital overlap.

II. s-orbitals have more overlap than p-orbitals.

III. sp3 hybridization is always unstable.

  • A. I only
  • B. II only
  • C. I and III
  • D. I, II, and III

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Bond strength is determined by the degree of orbital overlap; the greater the overlap, the greater the bond strength. A π bond is weaker than a single bond because there is significantly less overlap between the unhybridized p-orbitals of a π bond (due to their parallel orientation) than between the s-orbitals or hybrid orbitals of a σ bond. sp3-hybridized orbitals can be quite stable, as evidenced by the number of carbon atoms with this hybridization forming stable compounds.

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