Question 23.6: Visualizing Orbital Overlap in Organic Molecules with Multip...
Visualizing Orbital Overlap in Organic Molecules with Multiple Bonds
Draw an orbital overlap picture for propene, the monomer used to make plastics for garbage bags. The structure of propene is CH_{2}=CHCH_{3}.
STRATEGY
Draw an electron-dot structure for propene and identify the hybridization of the central atoms. Overlap atomic or hybridized orbitals to make sigma (σ) bonds and overlap unhybridized p orbitals to make pi (π) bonds.
To make the C=C double bond, overlap one sp² hybrid orbital from each of the sp² hybridized carbon atoms to make a σ bond, and then line up the p orbitals for sideways overlap to make a π bond. The remaining sp² orbitals should all be in the same plane. Overlap three of them with the 1s orbitals of three hydrogen atoms to make C-H bonds. Overlap the third sp² orbital of the central carbon atom with an sp³ orbital from the carbon on the right to make a C-C single bond. Make the remaining C-H bonds by overlapping the carbon sp³ orbitals with the 1s orbitals of three hydrogen atoms
