Chapter 3, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason behind the representation of ethene on the left more accurate than the one on the right should be explained.

Concept introduction: Bonds formed due to head-to-head overlap are termed sigma bond while ones formed by sideways or lateral overlap are named pi-bonds.

In ethylene, $\text{C–H σ}$ bonds are formed via overlap of $s{p}^2$ hybrid orbital with $1s$ orbital of the $\text{H}$ atom. The $\text{C–C σ}$ bond is a consequence of overlap of two $s{p}^2$ hybrid of $\text{C}$ at each terminal.