The pi electrons in 1,3-butadiene are distributed as follows:
A) One in each of 4 bonding orbitals
B) Two in bonding orbitals,two in non-bonding orbitals
C) Two in each of 2 bonding orbitals
D) One in each of 4 non-bonding orbitals
E) None of these.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In 1,3-butadiene, there are 4 pi electrons that are distributed over two double bonds. The two pi electrons in each double bond are distributed equally between the two bonding pi orbitals, resulting in each bonding pi orbital having two pi electrons. Therefore, the pi electrons in 1,3-butadiene are distributed as two in each of two bonding orbitals.

The Pi Electrons in 1,3-Butadiene Are Distributed as Follows