Conjugation, hybridization, and steric hindrance in relation to bond lengths

Three theories which have been proposed to explain the observed shortening of a single bond when it is adjacent to a double bond are discussed. Possible predictions from these theories are examined, especially for comparison with various quantities measurable by microwave spectroscopy. It is concluded that the steric theory is probably untenable, that some conjugation appears necessary to explain observed barries to internal rotation, and that it is difficult to find testable predictions from the hybridization theory.