Double Bond - GCSE Chemistry Definition

A double bond is a type of chemical bond where two pairs of electrons (4 electrons) are shared between two atoms. In simpler terms, it's like a strong glue holding two atoms together more tightly than a single bond, which shares only one pair of electrons. It is shown by two lines (=) between atoms in a structural formula. Double bonds are often found in compounds with carbon atoms, such as alkenes. An example of an alkene that has a double bond is ethene (C₂H₄), the two carbon atoms are joined by a double bond (H₂C=CH₂). A double bond influences the shape and chemical reactivity of a molecule. Understanding double bonds helps predict how substances will interact in chemical reactions.