difference between sigma and pi bond
Dear Student,
The differences between sigma and pi bonds are as follows:
Sigma bond | Pi bond | ||
(i) | This bond is formed by lateral overlap of atomic orbitals. | (i) | This bond is formed by sideways overlap of atomic orbitals. |
(ii) | This bond is formed by the overlap of s–s,s–p or p–p orbitals. | (ii) | This bond is formed by the overlap of p orbitals. Sometimes d orbitals may also participate in pi bonding. |
(iii) | This bond is stronger because of larger extent of overlapping. | (iii) | This bond is weaker because of lesser extent of overlapping. |
(iv) | There can be free rotation of atoms around s bond. | (iv) | Free rotation of atoms around p bond is not possible. |
(v) | This bond may be present alone or with a pi bond. | (v) | This bond is always present with a sigma bond. |
