Relations between length, order, and force constant for C-C bonds

Abstract

A relation is derived between length and force constant for single and multiple carbon-carbon bonds, and also a relation between bond order and shortening consequent on delocalization of the π-electrons. The effect of the latter on the bond order is without appreciable effect on the length for linear conjugated molecules; the shortening of single bonds in compounds such as butadiene and diacetylene is due mainly to the state of hybridization of the carbon atoms. Constant length in the single bonds of a given hybrid type can not serve as a criterion for absence of shifts in electron density. The bond lengths in aromatic compounds are the most sensitive to π-electron delocalization. © 1966 The Faraday Press, Inc.