Maximum number of covalent bonds between two atoms of a covalent compound be

Options

A. four
B. two
C. three
D. one

Answer

To determine the maximum number of covalent bonds that can be formed between two atoms in a covalent compound, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understanding Covalent Bonds
Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share electrons. Each shared pair of electrons constitutes one covalent bond.

### Step 2: Octet Rule
Atoms tend to form bonds in such a way that they achieve a stable electron configuration, usually resembling that of noble gases. This is often referred to as the octet rule, which states that atoms are most stable when they have eight electrons in their valence shell.

### Step 3: Counting Shared Electrons
To satisfy the octet rule, two atoms can share electrons. Each atom can contribute a certain number of electrons to the bond formation.

### Step 4: Maximum Bond Formation
- Each single covalent bond involves the sharing of one pair of electrons (2 electrons).
- A double bond involves the sharing of two pairs of electrons (4 electrons).
- A triple bond involves the sharing of three pairs of electrons (6 electrons).

### Step 5: Orbital Symmetry Limitation
However, due to orbital symmetry and the spatial arrangement of the orbitals, the maximum number of bonds that can be formed between two atoms is limited.

### Step 6: Conclusion
While theoretically, four bonds could be formed (which would require 8 electrons), the orbital symmetry does not allow for more than three bonds between two atoms. Therefore, the maximum number of covalent bonds that can be formed between two atoms in a covalent compound is **3**.

### Final Answer
The maximum number of covalent bonds between two atoms of a covalent compound is **3** (Option C).

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