Question

In a buckyball, three of the bonds around each hexagon are so called double-bonds. They result from adjacent atoms sharing a state that does not participate in the sp² bonding. Which state is it, and what is this extra bond σ-bond or a π-bond? Explain.

Short answer

The state that does not participate in sp² bonding is the remaining 2p state.

Step-by-step solution

Significance of double bond

In this context, double bonds are referred to as "conjugated," and because they represent an improved conformational stability, they are energetically preferred as reactants in many scenarios and combinations.

Step 2:

This is the state that participates in the double bonding. Since, the remaining 2p state will be perpendicular to the other bonds.

Step 3:

The extra bond must have the co-valent electron density largest off-axis.

Hence, it thus form π-bond.