C-H Bond

Definition

The C-H bond is a covalent bond formed between a carbon atom and a hydrogen atom. It is a fundamental building block of organic chemistry, as the majority of organic compounds contain C-H bonds. The strength and characteristics of the C-H bond are crucial in understanding the properties and reactivity of organic molecules.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The C-H bond is a polar covalent bond due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and hydrogen atoms.
2. The bond dissociation energy of a C-H bond is relatively high, ranging from 410 to 440 kJ/mol, making it a strong and stable bond.
3. The length of a C-H bond is typically around 1.09 Å, which is shorter than the sum of the covalent radii of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
4. The presence of C-H bonds in organic compounds is essential for their stability, reactivity, and the ability to form a wide range of molecular structures.
5. The C-H bond can be polarized or activated through the presence of electronegative substituents, which can influence the reactivity of the compound.

Review Questions

• Explain the polarity of the C-H bond and how it contributes to the stability and reactivity of organic compounds.
  • The C-H bond is a polar covalent bond due to the difference in electronegativity between the carbon and hydrogen atoms. Carbon has a higher electronegativity than hydrogen, resulting in the partial positive charge on the carbon atom and the partial negative charge on the hydrogen atom. This polarity allows the C-H bond to participate in various intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, which can influence the physical and chemical properties of organic compounds. The polarity of the C-H bond also contributes to the overall stability and reactivity of organic molecules, as the polarized bond can be selectively activated or modified through the introduction of other functional groups or substituents.
• Describe the relationship between the bond dissociation energy of the C-H bond and the stability of organic compounds.
  • The bond dissociation energy of the C-H bond is relatively high, typically ranging from 410 to 440 kJ/mol. This high bond dissociation energy indicates that a significant amount of energy is required to break the C-H bond, making it a strong and stable covalent bond. The stability of the C-H bond is crucial for the overall stability and reactivity of organic compounds, as it allows these molecules to maintain their structural integrity and resist fragmentation or decomposition under various conditions. The high bond dissociation energy of the C-H bond also contributes to the ability of organic compounds to form a wide range of molecular structures and participate in diverse chemical reactions while retaining their core structural features.
• Analyze the role of C-H bonds in the formation and reactivity of organic compounds, and explain how the characteristics of these bonds can be manipulated to influence the properties of the compounds.
  • The C-H bond is a fundamental structural element in organic chemistry, as the majority of organic compounds contain multiple C-H bonds. The presence and characteristics of these bonds play a crucial role in the formation and reactivity of organic molecules. The high bond dissociation energy of the C-H bond contributes to the stability of organic compounds, allowing them to maintain their structural integrity and participate in various chemical reactions. However, the polarity of the C-H bond can be selectively manipulated through the introduction of other functional groups or substituents, which can influence the reactivity and properties of the compound. For example, the activation or polarization of the C-H bond can increase the reactivity of the compound, enabling it to undergo specific transformations or participate in different types of chemical reactions. By understanding the characteristics and behavior of C-H bonds, organic chemists can design and synthesize a wide range of organic compounds with desired properties and functionalities, tailored to specific applications or research objectives.

Related terms

Covalent Bond: A chemical bond formed by the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between atoms, resulting in a stable configuration.

Electronegativity: The ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond, which determines the polarity of the bond.

Bond Dissociation Energy: The amount of energy required to break a specific chemical bond, which is a measure of the bond's strength.