Determine the total number of sigma () electrons present in a single molecule of toluene (). — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Toluene contains a benzene ring (6 C-C $\sigma$ bonds, 5 C-H $\sigma$ bonds) and a methyl group (1 C-C $\sigma$ bond to the ring, 3 C-H $\sigma$ bonds). Total $\sigma$ bonds = 6 + 5 + 1 + 3 = 15. Each $\sigma$ bond contains 2 electrons, so total $\sigma$ electrons = 30.