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Chapter 10: Problem 39

How would you distinguish between a sigma bond and a pi bond?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Sigma bonds are formed from the end-to-end (head-on) overlap of atomic orbitals, allow free rotation around the bond axis, and are stronger in comparison to Pi bonds. Pi bonds form from the side-on overlap of atomic orbitals, do not allow free rotation around the bond, and are generally weaker than sigma bonds.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Sigma bond

Understand that a sigma bond is a type of covalent bond that forms when two atomic orbitals overlap along the axis connecting the two bonding atoms. This overlap along the axis allows for free rotation around the sigma bond.
02

Definition of Pi bond

Comprehend that a pi bond, on the other hand, forms when the overlap of atomic orbitals is above and below, or in front of and behind the axis connecting the two bonding atoms. This kind of bonding does not permit free rotation.
03

Difference in formation

Recognize that Sigma bonds can form from the end-to-end overlap (head-on) of atomic orbitals, while Pi bonds are formed from the side-on overlap of two atomic orbitals.
04

Difference in strength

Recognize the difference in strength, where sigma bonds are stronger due to the greater extent of overlap, while pi bonds are weaker in comparison.
05

Presence of free rotation

Understand that Sigma bonds allow for free rotation of atoms around the bond axis, whereas Pi bonds do not permit such rotation due to sideways overlap

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Most popular questions from this chapter

\(\mathrm{TCDD},\) or 2,3,7,8 -tetrachlorodibenzo- \(p\) -dioxin, is a highly toxic compound: It gained considerable notoriety in 2004 when it was implicated in the murder plot of a Ukrainian politician. (a) Describe its geometry and state whether the molecule has a dipole moment. (b) How many pi bonds and sigma bonds are there in the molecule?

Which of the following species are tetrahedral? \(\mathrm{SiCl}_{4}, \mathrm{SeF}_{4}, \mathrm{XeF}_{4}, \mathrm{Cl}_{4}, \mathrm{CdCl}_{4}^{2-}\)

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. (a) Write the molecular formula of the compound. (b) What is the hybridization state of each \(\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{N},\) and \(\mathrm{O}\) atom? (c) Describe the geometry about each \(\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{N}\), and \(\mathrm{O}\) atom.

Define dipole moment. What are the units and symbol for dipole moment?

What is the relationship between the dipole moment and the bond moment? How is it possible for a molecule to have bond moments and yet be nonpolar?
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