How many sigma bonds are in a molecule of diethyl ether, `C_(2)H_(5)OC_(2)H_(5)` ?

Answer

To determine the number of sigma bonds in a molecule of diethyl ether, \( C_2H_5OC_2H_5 \), we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Write the molecular formula
The molecular formula for diethyl ether is \( C_2H_5OC_2H_5 \). This indicates that the molecule consists of two ethyl groups (\( C_2H_5 \)) connected by an oxygen atom.

### Step 2: Draw the structure of diethyl ether
The structure of diethyl ether can be represented as follows:
```
H H H H
\ / \ /
C C
/ \ / \
H C - O - C H
| |
H H
```
In this structure, each ethyl group is connected to the oxygen atom.

### Step 3: Identify the types of bonds
In the structure, we can identify the types of bonds present:
- Each carbon atom in the ethyl groups is connected to three hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom (or oxygen).
- The oxygen atom is connected to two carbon atoms.

### Step 4: Count the sigma bonds
- Each single bond (sigma bond) between atoms counts as one sigma bond.
- In diethyl ether:
- Each \( C-H \) bond (5 from each ethyl group) contributes 5 sigma bonds from the first ethyl group and 5 from the second ethyl group, totaling 10 \( C-H \) sigma bonds.
- Each \( C-C \) bond (the bond between the two ethyl groups through the oxygen) contributes 1 sigma bond.
- The \( C-O \) bond contributes 1 sigma bond.

Now, let's count them:
- \( C-H \) bonds: 10
- \( C-C \) bonds: 1
- \( C-O \) bond: 1

Total sigma bonds = \( 10 + 1 + 1 = 12 \)

### Final Count
Thus, the total number of sigma bonds in a molecule of diethyl ether is **12**.