To determine how many pairs of electrons are shared between the two carbon atoms in the chemical compound [tex]\( C_2H_2 \)[/tex] (which is commonly known as acetylene), we need to examine the bonding structure of the molecule.
Acetylene consists of two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms. The structure of acetylene can be represented as [tex]\( H-C \equiv C-H \)[/tex].
1. Bonding Overview:
- Each carbon atom forms one single bond with a hydrogen atom.
- Between the two carbon atoms, there is a triple bond.
2. Electron Pairs in a Triple Bond:
- A single covalent bond involves one pair of shared electrons.
- A double bond involves two pairs of shared electrons.
- A triple bond involves three pairs of shared electrons.
3. Determining Electron Pairs:
- Since the two carbon atoms are connected by a triple bond, they share three pairs of electrons between them.
Therefore, the total number of pairs of electrons shared between the two carbon atoms in [tex]\( C_2H_2 \)[/tex] is three.
The correct answer is:
C. three pairs of electrons
