How many `sigma and pi` bonds are present in methyl acrylate

Options

A. `11 sigma and 2 pi`
B. `9 sigma and 2 pi`
C. `11 sigma and 1 pi`
D. `10 sigma and 3 pi`

Answer

To determine the number of sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds in methyl acrylate, we first need to understand its molecular structure. Methyl acrylate has the following structure:

1. **Draw the Structure**: Methyl acrylate can be represented as:
- It consists of a methyl group (–CH3), a carbonyl group (C=O), and a vinyl group (–CH=CH2).
- The structure can be depicted as:
```
O
||
CH2=C-COO-CH3
```

2. **Identify the Bonds**:
- **Sigma Bonds (σ)**: These are single bonds formed by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals.
- **Pi Bonds (π)**: These are formed by the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals and are present in double and triple bonds.

3. **Count the Bonds**:
- **C–C Bonds**: There are two C–C single bonds (one between the methyl group and the carbonyl carbon, and one between the carbonyl carbon and the vinyl carbon).
- **C=C Bond**: There is one double bond between the two vinyl carbons, contributing one σ bond and one π bond.
- **C=O Bond**: There is one double bond between the carbonyl carbon and oxygen, contributing one σ bond and one π bond.
- **C–H Bonds**: The methyl group has three C–H bonds, and the vinyl group has two C–H bonds, contributing a total of five C–H σ bonds.

4. **Total Count**:
- **Sigma Bonds (σ)**:
- C–C (2) + C=C (1) + C=O (1) + C–H (5) = 2 + 1 + 1 + 5 = 9 σ bonds
- **Pi Bonds (π)**:
- C=C (1) + C=O (1) = 1 + 1 = 2 π bonds

5. **Final Count**:
- Total σ bonds = 9
- Total π bonds = 2

Thus, in methyl acrylate, there are **9 sigma bonds and 2 pi bonds**.