What is the maximum number of double bonds that a carbon atom can form?
A) 0
B) 3
C) 4
D) 2
E) 1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A carbon atom can form a maximum of two double bonds. This is because carbon has four valence electrons, and each bond requires two electrons (one from each atom) to form. Therefore, if a carbon atom forms two double bonds, it will share a total of 8 electrons (2 from each single bond and 4 from each double bond) with its neighboring atoms, satisfying its octet rule. Any attempt to form a third double bond would require sharing all 8 valence electrons with its neighboring atom, violating the octet rule.

What Is the Maximum Number of Double Bonds That a Carbon