Science, Tech, Math › Science Multiple Bond Definition in Chemistry Print This is the chemical structure of ethene. The double bond between the two carbon atoms is a multiple bond. Todd Helmenstine Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on August 08, 2019 In chemistry, a multiple bond is a chemical bond where two or more electron pairs are shared between two atoms. Double and triple bonds are multiple bonds. Read More What a Double Bond Means in Chemistry By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. In a double bond, four bonding electrons participate in the bond rather than two electrons in a single bond. Double bonds are found in azo compounds (N=N), sulfoxides (S=O), and imines (C=N). The equal sign is typically used to denote a double bond. A triple bond involves six bonding electrons. The triple bond is drawn using three parallel lines (≡). The most common triple bond occurs in alkynes. Molecular nitrogen (N2) is an excellent example of a compound with a triple bond (N≡N).Triple bonds are stronger than double or single bonds. Source March, Jerry (1985). Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure (3rd ed.). New York: Wiley. ISBN 0-471-85472-7. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Multiple Bond Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-multiple-bond-605379. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 25). Multiple Bond Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-multiple-bond-605379 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Multiple Bond Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-multiple-bond-605379 (accessed March 29, 2024). copy citation