Chemistry: Atoms First (2nd Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1305079248
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-924-3

Chapter 4 - Exercises - Page 197c: 51

Answer

The reason why all six atoms in C2H4 must lie in the same plane is due to the formation of the pi-bond in the molecule.

Work Step by Step

The ethylene (C2H4) molecule consists of two carbon atoms connected by a double bond, which includes one sigma bond and one pi bond. The pi bond is a type of bond that forms in a single plane, meaning it cannot be bent or distorted. Therefore, all the remaining atoms bonded to the carbon atoms in the ethylene molecule must also lie in the same plane.
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