How are sigma and pi bonds form?

1 Answer
Dylan K.
Dec 6, 2016

They form from orbital overlap. Sigma bonds will form for single bonds between species and pi bonds form when the bond order is 2 or greater.

Explanation:

For a bonding species, the formation of a #sigma# bond is denoted by a single bond between the species and #pi# bonds form for the double and triple bonds that occur within the bonding species thereafter.

Consider the molecular orbital manifold shown below:
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