What is a pi bond?

Study for the CIE Chemistry Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Test. Prepare with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Master the exam!

Multiple Choice

What is a pi bond?

Explanation:
The concept being tested is what a pi bond is and how it forms. A pi bond arises from sideways overlap of unhybridized p orbitals on two adjacent atoms. This overlap occurs above and below the internuclear axis and happens in addition to a sigma bond, so it contributes to multiple bonds. In a double bond there is one sigma bond and one pi bond; in a triple bond there is one sigma bond and two pi bonds. Pi bonds are generally weaker than sigma bonds due to less effective orbital overlap, and they restrict rotation about the bond, which fixes the geometry of alkenes. Since a pi bond is a specific type of covalent bond formed by sideways p-orbital overlap, it’s the correct description for what a pi bond is. Ionic bonds, by contrast, are not covalent shares of electrons.

The concept being tested is what a pi bond is and how it forms. A pi bond arises from sideways overlap of unhybridized p orbitals on two adjacent atoms. This overlap occurs above and below the internuclear axis and happens in addition to a sigma bond, so it contributes to multiple bonds. In a double bond there is one sigma bond and one pi bond; in a triple bond there is one sigma bond and two pi bonds. Pi bonds are generally weaker than sigma bonds due to less effective orbital overlap, and they restrict rotation about the bond, which fixes the geometry of alkenes. Since a pi bond is a specific type of covalent bond formed by sideways p-orbital overlap, it’s the correct description for what a pi bond is. Ionic bonds, by contrast, are not covalent shares of electrons.

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