What is a pi bond?

Study for the IMAT Chemistry Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions; hints and explanations included for each question. Prepare effectively for your exam.

Multiple Choice

What is a pi bond?

Explanation:
A pi bond is the sideways overlap of adjacent p orbitals that creates electron density above and below the bond axis. It accompanies a sigma bond in multiple bonds, so a double bond has one sigma and one pi, while a triple bond has one sigma and two pi. The pi bond forms after the sigma bond and relies on the parallel alignment of p orbitals; this sideways overlap is why rotation about the bond is restricted and why pi bonds are generally weaker than sigma bonds. Hydrogen bonds are noncovalent interactions, not covalent pi bonds, and lone-pair interactions refer to different, nonbonding interactions.

A pi bond is the sideways overlap of adjacent p orbitals that creates electron density above and below the bond axis. It accompanies a sigma bond in multiple bonds, so a double bond has one sigma and one pi, while a triple bond has one sigma and two pi. The pi bond forms after the sigma bond and relies on the parallel alignment of p orbitals; this sideways overlap is why rotation about the bond is restricted and why pi bonds are generally weaker than sigma bonds. Hydrogen bonds are noncovalent interactions, not covalent pi bonds, and lone-pair interactions refer to different, nonbonding interactions.

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