Does a double or triple bond effect the bond angle?

double bond

yes

Yes, a double or triple bond can affect the bond angle in a molecule.

To understand this, let's start by explaining what a bond angle is. Bond angle is the angle between two adjacent bonds in a molecule, with the central atom acting as the vertex of the angle. It is determined by the arrangement of atoms or groups around the central atom.

In a molecule with only single bonds, such as methane (CH4), the bond angles are approximately 109.5 degrees. This is due to the tetrahedral arrangement of the four hydrogen atoms around the central carbon atom.

Now, when a double or triple bond is present in a molecule, it introduces more electron density between the bonded atoms. This increased electron density can lead to repulsion, or pushing apart, of the adjacent atoms or groups. As a result, the bond angles in a molecule with multiple bonds can deviate from the ideal angles observed in a molecule with only single bonds.

Let's consider an example: ethene (C2H4) and ethyne (C2H2). Ethene has a double bond between two carbon atoms, while ethyne has a triple bond. Due to the increased electron density associated with multiple bonds, the bond angles in these molecules are slightly reduced compared to the ideal tetrahedral angle of 109.5 degrees. In ethene, the bond angle between the two carbon-hydrogen bonds is approximately 121 degrees, while in ethyne, the bond angle between the two carbon-hydrogen bonds is approximately 180 degrees.

So, in summary, a double or triple bond can affect the bond angle by introducing increased electron density and causing a deviation from the ideal angles observed in molecules with only single bonds.