SUPA Chemistry Sigma and Pi Bonds
Sigma Bonds s Sigma bonds are single Bonds seen in Covalent molecules. They can be formed by the overlapping of two s orbitals, as in H2.
Sigma bonds are seen in HCl by the overlap between an s and a p orbital.
Sigma bonds can also be formed by the overlap of a p orbital with an sp hybrid orbital as in BeF2. A hybrid orbital is a blend of two different orbitals.
C2H6 has all sigma bonds
Pi Bonds ( p bonds) Pi Bonds are found in double or triple bonds. A double bond consists of a sigma bond and one pi bond. A triple bond consists of a sigma bond and 2 pi bonds. Pi bonds are formed from the overlap of two p orbitals.
C2H4 has both s and p bonds