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Sigma Bond vs. Pi Bond: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
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.
Sigma Bond vs. Pi Bond

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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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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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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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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Comparison Chart

Type of Orbital Overlap

Head-on overlapping
Side-to-side overlapping
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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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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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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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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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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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Are sigma bonds stronger than pi bonds?

Sigma bonds are generally stronger than pi bonds.
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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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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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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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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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Can a molecule have multiple sigma and pi bonds?

Yes, many molecules have both sigma and pi bonds.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Are sigma bonds broken during chemical reactions?

Yes, sigma bonds are typically broken and formed during chemical reactions.
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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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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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Can pi bonds undergo addition reactions?

Yes, pi bonds can undergo addition reactions where new sigma bonds are formed.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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