Which term labels the bond formed when atoms share three pairs of electrons?

• A. Double Bond
• B. Covalent Bond
• C. Molecular Compound
• D. Triple Bond

Answer: (D)

Sharing electrons to form bonds depends on how many electron pairs are shared between the bonded atoms. One shared pair makes a single bond, two shared pairs make a double bond, and three shared pairs make a triple bond. So when three pairs of electrons are shared, the bond is a triple bond. This strong bond is characteristic of certain diatomic molecules like nitrogen gas, where the two atoms share three pairs of electrons. Covalent bonds describe the general idea of sharing electrons, and a molecular compound is any substance built from covalently bonded molecules, but the specific situation of three shared pairs is labeled a triple bond.