achieve hw 5,6 #4

[Vicky Tong 3E]

Hi! On the homework, there is a chart given with the expected bond length, and the question asks:

Based on the Lewis structures and the bond length data, select the correct statement or statements.
-The carbon–nitrogen bond has ample C=N bond character.
-The carbon–oxygen bonds have overwhelmingly C−O bond character.
-The carbon–oxygen bonds have ample C=O bond character.
-The carbon–nitrogen bond has overwhelmingly C−N bond character.

Can someone explain the ample and overwhelming bond character aspect? I don't understand what this question is exactly asking. Thank you!

[Melinda Luo 2G]

Hi there!

I believe the "overwhelming" and "ample" aspects simply just refer to whether or not the single/double bond contributes significantly to the average bond length.

For example, the observed carbon-oxygen bond length is 128 pm, while the expected single bond length is 143 pm, and the expected double bond length is 112 pm. Since 128 is roughly an average of the two bond lengths (although 128 is slightly closer to 143 compared to 112), then we say that the carbon-oxygen bonds have an ample C-O bond character since it contributes slightly more to the average bond length, but not by an overwhelming amount.

Hope this helps!