O2, which has a double bond, would have how many sigma and how many pi bonds?

1 Answer
Jan 3, 2015

#O_2# has 1 sigma bond and 1 pi bond.

As you know, the #O_2# molecule's Lewis structure shows a double bond between the two oxygen atoms.

http://linksservice.com/oxygen-lewis-dot-structure/

Always remember that a double bond is comprised of 1 sigma bond and 1 pi bond. A triple bond has 1 sigma and 2 pi bonds.

Here's how the two #O# atoms use their orbitals to bond with each other:

http://www.thebigger.com/chemistry/chemical-bonding/what-do-you-mean-by-pi-%CF%80-bonds-how-it-is-formed/