In the hybrid orbital model, compare and contrast \(\sigma\) bonds with \(\pi\) bonds. What orbitals form the \(\sigma\) bonds and what orbitals form the \(\pi\) bonds? Assume the \(z\) -axis is the internuclear axis

Short Answer

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In the hybrid orbital model, sigma (σ) bonds are formed by the direct overlap of orbitals along the internuclear axis (z-axis), such as s-s, s-p, or p-p overlaps. On the other hand, pi (π) bonds are formed by the sideways overlap of parallel p orbitals (either p_x or p_y), resulting in electron density above and below the internuclear axis. Sigma bonds are generally stronger and allow for free rotation of bonded atoms, while π bonds are weaker and restrict rotation due to the parallel orientation of overlapping orbitals. Additionally, σ bonds have symmetrical electron density distribution along the internuclear axis, while π bonds have electron density distributed above and below the internuclear axis.

Step by step solution

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Definition of sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds

Sigma (σ) bonds are formed by the direct overlap of orbitals along the internuclear axis between two atoms. Pi (π) bonds are formed by the sideways overlap of adjacent parallel orbitals, resulting in electron density above and below the axis connecting the two atoms.
02

Sigma (σ) bond orbitals

Sigma (σ) bonds can be formed by the combination of various orbitals, such as s-s, s-p, and p-p overlapping. When a σ bond is formed by the direct overlap of orbitals along the internuclear axis, the orbitals involved can be one of the following: 1. s-s overlap: a σ bond formed by the overlap of two s orbitals (one from each atom). 2. s-p overlap: a σ bond formed by the overlap of an s orbital of one atom and a p orbital of the other atom. 3. p-p overlap: a σ bond formed by the overlap of two p orbitals (one from each atom) along the internuclear axis (z-axis in this case).
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Pi (π) bond orbitals

Pi (π) bonds are formed by the sideways overlap of parallel p orbitals. When a π bond is formed above and below the internuclear axis (z-axis), only the following overlap is possible: 1. p-p overlap: a π bond formed by the overlap of two p orbitals lying parallel to the internuclear axis. These can be either p_x or p_y orbitals, but not p_z, as it is aligned along the z-axis (internuclear axis).
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Comparing σ and π bonds

1. Formation: Sigma bonds are formed by the direct overlap of orbitals along the internuclear axis, while π bonds are formed by the parallel overlap of p orbitals above and below the internuclear axis. 2. Strength: Sigma bonds are generally stronger and more stable than π bonds due to the greater degree of orbital overlap. 3. Rotation: Sigma bonds allow for free rotation of the bonded atoms around the internuclear axis, while π bonds restrict rotation due to the parallel orientation of the overlapping orbitals. 4. Electron density distribution: Sigma bonds have symmetrical electron density distribution along the internuclear axis, while π bonds have electron density distributed above and below the internuclear axis.

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