How many σ-bonds and π-bonds are in a CO2 molecule?
A) 4 σ-bonds and 0 π-bonds
B) 2 σ-bonds and 2 π-bonds
C) 2 σ-bonds and 4 π-bonds
D) 1 σ-bond and 2 π-bonds
E) 2 σ-bonds and 0 π-bonds
Solution: The correct Lewis dot structure for CO2 is shown below.
A single bond has 1 σ-bond. A double bond has 1 σ-bond and 1 π-bond. A triple bond has 1 σ-bond and 2 π-bonds.
Since CO2 has two double bonds, it has 2 sigma and 2 pi bonds total, B.