A triple bond is a chemical relationship between two atoms that has six bonding electrons rather than the two seen in a covalent single bond. Because triple bonds have a bond order of three, they are stronger than single or double bonds. The most common triple bond in alkynes is one between two carbon atoms. Cyanides and isocyanides are two more functional groups having a triple bond. Some diatomic molecules, such as carbon monoxide, and dinitrogen are triple bonded. The triple bond is depicted by three parallel lines between the two connected atoms in skeletal equations.

Triple Bond

Nitrogen gas, which makes up 78 percent of our atmosphere, is one of the most powerful chemicals on the planet. Because nitrogen gas is made up of two nitrogen atoms joined by a triple bond, this is the case. When two atoms share three pairs of electrons, they form a triple bond. Three parallel lines are frequently used to depict triple bonds between atoms.

It’s vital to remember that electrons come in pairs. A shared pair of electrons is referred to as a covalent bond. Two electrons are shared in a single covalent connection. A triple covalent bond is made up of three sets of two shared electrons. Despite the fact that a triple bond has just three unique bonds, it shares a total of six electrons.

Because there are six electrons. A triple bond between two carbons is approximately 25% shorter than a single bond between two carbons.

Examples of Triple Covalent Bond:

• Nitrogen (N2)
• Cyanide (CN-)
• Ethyne (C2H2)

Let’s discuss below:

• Nitrogen (N2) :- A molecule containing a triple covalent bond is nitrogen.Two nitrogen (N) atoms make up the nitrogen molecule. Each nitrogen atom has only five electrons and needs three more to finish its outermost shell. As a result, the three electrons from each nitrogen form a connection. A nitrogen molecule forms a triple covalent bond by sharing six electrons.

• Cyanide (CN-) :- An anion made up of one carbon and one nitrogen atom is known as cyanide. The outermost shell of carbon (C) has just four electrons. To complete the shell, four additional electrons are required. Nitrogen (N) only has five electrons and needs three more to be complete. As a result, each carbon and nitrogen atom will share three electrons. As a result, six electrons are shared, and a triple covalent bond is formed. Carbon is an anion because it has an additional electron.

• Ethyne (C2H2) :- An example of an alkyne is ethyne. Two carbon (C) and two hydrogen (H) atoms make up ethyne. The outermost shell of carbon (C) has four valence electrons. It needs four more to completely fill its orbital. The lone electron in hydrogen (H) is needed to complete its orbital. A single bond is formed when one hydrogen atom joins with one carbon atom. Another hydrogen atom will join the other carbon atom to form a new C-H bond. The two carbon atoms, however, each have three unpaired electrons. They’ll join forces and share the three electrons, for a total of four shared electrons. The two carbon atoms form a triple bond as a result.

Alkynes 

One sigma and two pi bonds constitute a triple bond in an alkyne. The two carbon atoms in the triple bond and the two atoms directly attached are collinear as a result of the geometry of the sp hybrid orbitals. Monosubstituted (terminal) and disubstituted alkynes are the two types of alkynes (internal).

Alkynes’ sp-hybridised carbon atoms have a higher percent s character, which has a significant impact on the characteristics of the carbon atom’s bond. The carbon atom holds the electrons in the bond more securely, requiring more energy to homolytically cleave the C—H bond. The C—H bond is shorter than the sp2 and sp3 links, as well as those to other atoms.

Triple Bonds and Electron Orbitals

To truly comprehend triple bonds, it’s necessary to take a deeper look at what’s going on with the wacky, unpredictable electrons involved.

According to their energy level and distance from the nucleus, electrons buzz around an atom in unique shapes. The electron configuration is the way electrons are organised around an atom, while electron orbitals are the specific shapes that electrons occupy. Electron orbitals come in four different shapes: s, p, d, and f. The s and p orbitals are involved in triple bonding.

Each atom in the triple bond must shift electrons and orbitals around in order to evenly distribute six electrons. The outermost s orbital of each atom must first be fused with a p orbital using some wizardry. This is a hybrid orbital.

Conclusion

Sigma bonds between hybridised orbitals and pi bonds between unhybridized p orbitals make up triple bonds. Compounds with double and triple bonds are more stable because they prevent rotation around the bond axis.

Triple covalent bonds are more powerful than single covalent bonds because they share four or six electrons between atoms, respectively.