In a covalent bond between two atoms, an electron from one of the either atom is shared by overlapping of their orbitals.
So, Why can't three atoms share an electron and overlap their orbitals?
In a covalent bond between two atoms, an electron from one of the either atom is shared by overlapping of their orbitals.
So, Why can't three atoms share an electron and overlap their orbitals?
The normal case for a covalent bond is indeed a 2-centre 2-electron bond.
There are however cases, where 3 centres (= atoms) either share 2 or 4 electrons.
Hypervalent molecules with 3-centre 4-electron bonds, like $\ce{SF6}$ or the bifluoride anion $\ce{HF2-}$ have been discussed here too.