Sigma Bond vs. Pi Bond: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Sigma bonds involve head-on overlapping of orbitals and form single bonds, while pi bonds involve side-to-side overlapping and usually form additional bonds beyond the first.
Key Differences
Sigma bonds are formed by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals, creating a single bond that is strong and directional. Pi bonds, in contrast, result from the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals and typically occur in addition to a sigma bond, forming double or triple bonds.
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Dec 11, 2023
Sigma bonds allow for free rotation around the bond axis due to their symmetrical shape, contributing to the flexibility of molecules. Pi bonds, however, restrict rotational freedom because of their parallel alignment, leading to rigidity in the molecular structure.
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Dec 11, 2023
In terms of bond strength, sigma bonds are generally stronger and more stable due to the direct overlap of orbitals. Pi bonds are weaker than sigma bonds as their overlapping is less extensive, making them more reactive.
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Dec 11, 2023
Every single bond is a sigma bond, serving as the basic building block of molecular structures. Pi bonds only exist in multiple bonds (double or triple bonds), occurring alongside sigma bonds and adding to the bond strength and character.
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Dec 11, 2023
In chemical reactions, sigma bonds are typically more difficult to break due to their strength. Pi bonds, being less strong, are often the sites of chemical reactivity, particularly in reactions like addition reactions in organic chemistry.
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Dec 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Bond Formation
Forms single bonds
Forms additional bonds in double/triple bonds
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Rotational Freedom
Allows free rotation around the bond axis
Restricts rotation due to parallel alignment
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Bond Strength
Generally stronger and more stable
Weaker compared to sigma bonds
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Role in Molecular Structure
Basic building block of structures
Adds to bond strength in multiple bonds
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Dec 11, 2023
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Sigma Bond and Pi Bond Definitions
Sigma Bond
Sigma bond allows for rotational movement around the bond axis.
The sigma bonds in ethane allow the molecule to rotate freely.
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Pi Bond
Pi bond restricts rotational movement around the bond axis.
The rigidity in benzene's structure is due to the pi bonds.
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Sigma Bond
Sigma bond is a single covalent bond formed by the direct overlap of orbitals.
The H-H bond in a hydrogen molecule is a sigma bond.
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Pi Bond
Pi bond involves parallel p orbital overlap.
The pi bonds in ozone (O3) are formed by the parallel overlap of p orbitals.
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Sigma Bond
Sigma bond is the strongest type of covalent bond.
The C-C single bond in ethane is a strong sigma bond.
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Dec 02, 2023
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Pi Bond
Pi bond is a type of covalent bond formed by the sideways overlap of orbitals.
The double bond in ethylene consists of one sigma and one pi bond.
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Sigma Bond
Sigma bond is formed in all single bonding scenarios.
Each bond in methane (CH4) is a sigma bond.
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Pi Bond
Pi bond exists in double and triple bonds alongside sigma bonds.
In acetylene, the triple bond contains one sigma and two pi bonds.
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Sigma Bond
Sigma bond involves head-on orbital overlap.
The sigma bond in HCl is formed by the head-on overlap of H and Cl orbitals.
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Pi Bond
Pi bond is weaker than a sigma bond.
The reactivity of butadiene is due to its weaker pi bonds.
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Dec 02, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can sigma bonds exist between different types of atoms?
Yes, sigma bonds can form between atoms of the same or different elements.
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Dec 11, 2023
What is the nature of electron density in a sigma bond?
In a sigma bond, electron density is concentrated along the bond axis.
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Dec 11, 2023
Are sigma bonds stronger than pi bonds?
Sigma bonds are generally stronger than pi bonds.
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Dec 11, 2023
How is a sigma bond represented in a Lewis structure?
A sigma bond is represented as a single straight line (σ) between two atoms.
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Dec 11, 2023
How many electrons are involved in a pi bond?
A pi bond involves two electrons, one from each of the overlapping p orbitals.
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Dec 11, 2023
Can pi bonds form between s orbitals?
No, pi bonds only form between p orbitals or d orbitals in more complex cases.
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Dec 11, 2023
Do all double bonds have one sigma and one pi bond?
Yes, in a typical double bond, there is one sigma bond and one pi bond.
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Dec 11, 2023
Can a molecule have multiple sigma and pi bonds?
Yes, many molecules have both sigma and pi bonds.
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Dec 11, 2023
How do sigma and pi bonds contribute to the strength of a chemical bond?
Sigma bonds provide most of the bond strength, while pi bonds contribute to the overall stability of the molecule.
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Dec 11, 2023
What is a sigma bond?
A sigma bond is a type of chemical bond formed by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals.
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Dec 11, 2023
How is a pi bond represented in a Lewis structure?
A pi bond is represented as two parallel lines (π) above and below the sigma bond in a double bond.
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Dec 11, 2023
Can sigma and pi bonds be found in the same molecule?
Yes, many molecules have both sigma and pi bonds within their structure.
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Dec 11, 2023
Are pi bonds present in all types of hydrocarbons?
No, pi bonds are not present in alkanes, which consist only of sigma bonds.
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Dec 11, 2023
What is a pi bond?
A pi bond is a type of chemical bond formed by the side-to-side overlap of atomic orbitals.
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Dec 11, 2023
What is the hybridization of atoms involved in sigma and pi bonds?
Sigma bonds involve sp, sp2, or sp3 hybridized orbitals, while pi bonds involve unhybridized p orbitals.
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Dec 11, 2023
Do pi bonds participate in nucleophilic substitution reactions?
Yes, pi bonds can participate in certain nucleophilic substitution reactions, such as those in aromatic compounds.
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Dec 11, 2023
Are sigma bonds broken during chemical reactions?
Yes, sigma bonds are typically broken and formed during chemical reactions.
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Dec 11, 2023
What role do sigma and pi bonds play in the properties of organic compounds?
Sigma and pi bonds influence the reactivity, structure, and physical properties of organic compounds, such as their melting points and solubility.
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Dec 11, 2023
In which types of molecules do you commonly find pi bonds?
Pi bonds are commonly found in molecules with multiple bonds, such as alkenes and alkynes.
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Dec 11, 2023
Can pi bonds undergo addition reactions?
Yes, pi bonds can undergo addition reactions where new sigma bonds are formed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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