How many electrons contribute to pi bonds in the following compound?
A)0
B)3
C)6
D)7
E)None of these choices.

Question

How many electrons contribute to pi bonds in the following compound? 
A)0 
B)3 
C)6 
D)7 
E)None of these choices.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compound in question has three double bonds, each of which contributes two pi bonds. Therefore, the total number of pi bonds in the compound is 3 x 2 = 6. Each pi bond involves two electrons, so the number of electrons involved in pi bonds is 6 x 2 = 12. However, each pi bond involves two electrons from each of the bonding atoms, so the number of electrons that contribute to pi bonds in the compound is 12 / 2 = 6. Therefore, the best choice is C) 6.

How Many Electrons Contribute to Pi Bonds in the Following