Difference Between Sigma and Pi Bond
Difference Between Sigma and Pi Bond, enhance your understanding about organic chemistry and know the key Difference Between Sigma and Pi Bond. To level up your NEET UG preparation, join our online courses now.
Praveen Kushwah27 May, 2025
Share
Difference Between Sigma and Pi Bond : Have you ever wondered how molecules stick together? Well, that's where sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds come into play. They're like the glue that holds atoms in a molecule together. If you are aiming to appear in NEET , understanding the Difference Between Sigma and Pi Bond will help you to understand the behavior of molecules.
Here in this post, we will look into the details of these bonds, and how molecules act and react, so that you can make a strong hold on organic chemistry for NEET UG Exam preparation.| NEET Chemistry Syllabus | NEET Chemistry Important Questions with Answers |
| NEET Chemistry Chapter wise Weightage | NEET Chemistry MCQs |
| NEET Chemistry Notes | NEET Chemistry Formulas |
Difference Between Sigma and Pi Bond Overview
A sigma (σ) bond is a type of chemical bond formed by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals between two atoms. It is the strongest type of covalent bond and is typically associated with the formation of single bonds between atoms. The sigma bond is characterized by electron density concentrated along the internuclear axis, which is the line connecting the nuclei of the bonded atoms. A pi (π) bond is a type of chemical bond that forms when two parallel atomic orbitals overlap and share electrons. Unlike sigma bonds, which involve head-on overlap along the internuclear axis, pi bonds occur through side-to-side overlap of adjacent parallel p orbitals or other unhybridized orbitals. Pi bonds are commonly found in double and triple bonds between atoms.Difference Between Sigma and Pi Bond
Take a look at the differences Between Sigma and Pi Bond in the table below. This will give you a solid understanding of the topic, helping you score better in the NEET Exam. Knowing these differences is important to do well on questions about this in the NEET UG exam.| Difference Between Sigma and Pi Bond | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameters | Sigma (σ) Bond | Pi (π) Bond |
| Bond Formation | Head-on overlap of atomic orbitals | Side-to-side overlap of parallel atomic orbitals |
| Orbital Overlap | Occurs along the internuclear axis | Occurs above and below the internuclear axis |
| Strength | Stronger than pi bonds | Weaker than Sigma bonds |
| Electron Density | Maximum electron density between the nuclei | Electron density is above and below the nuclei |
| Number of Bonds Formed | Single sigma bond between two atoms | Can have one or more pi bonds in addition to sigma bonds |
| Hybridization | Involves hybridized orbitals (sp, sp2, sp3) | Often involves unhybridized p orbitals |
| Multiple Bonding | Exists in all types of bonds (single, double, triple) | Contributes to double and triple bonds |
| Rotation | No free rotation around the Sigma bond axis | Free rotation is possible around the pi-bond axis |
| Example Molecules | Ethane (C2H6) | Ethene (C2H4), Acetylene (C2H2) |
What is Sigma Bond?
Consider the formation of a sigma bond in a hydrogen molecule (H2). Each hydrogen atom has one 1s atomic orbital. When two hydrogen atoms approach each other to form a diatomic molecule, their 1s orbitals overlap head-on to create a sigma bond. The electron density is concentrated along the axis between the two nuclei. In the Lewis structure of hydrogen gas (H2)HσH
Here, the line (σ) represents the sigma bond between the two hydrogen atoms. It signifies the direct overlap of the 1s orbitals, resulting in the formation of the sigma bond in the hydrogen molecule.What is pi Bond?
Definition: A pi bond is formed when two atomic orbitals with parallel alignment overlap, allowing for the sharing of electrons above and below the internuclear axis.
Example: Consider the formation of a pi bond in an ethene (C2H4) molecule. Ethene consists of two carbon atoms double-bonded to each other. Each carbon atom has three sp2 hybrid orbitals, with one forming a sigma bond and the other two forming pi bonds.
H − C = C − H
In this Lewis structure, the double bond between the two carbon atoms consists of one sigma bond and one pi bond. The sigma bond is formed by the head-on overlap of sp2 hybrid orbitals, while the pi bond is formed by the side-to-side overlap of the unhybridized p orbitals on each carbon. The pi bond is represented by the double line ( ). So, in ethene, there is one sigma bond and one pi bond between the carbon atoms in the double bond, contributing to the overall structure and stability of the molecule. Elevate your NEET preparation with our NEET Online Coaching , and get access to expert guidance, comprehensive study materials, and interactive sessions from the comfort of your home. Our teachers are dedicated to boost your confidence, clarifying doubts instantly, and acing the NEET exam.Difference Between Sigma and Pi Bond FAQs
What is the primary difference between sigma and pi bonds?
The key difference lies in their formation. Sigma (σ) bonds result from the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals, whereas pi (π) bonds form through the side-to-side overlap of parallel atomic orbitals.
How does the orientation of electron density differ in sigma and pi bonds?
In sigma bonds, the electron density is concentrated along the internuclear axis (between the nuclei), while in pi bonds, the electron density is above and below the internuclear axis.
Which is stronger, the sigma or pi bonds?
Sigma bonds are generally stronger than pi bonds. This is because sigma bonds involve a more direct and effective overlap of atomic orbitals.
In which types of bonds do sigma and pi bonds commonly occur?
Sigma bonds are present in all types of covalent bonds (single, double, triple), while pi bonds are commonly found in double and triple bonds where there is the sharing of multiple electron pairs between atoms.
Can a molecule have both sigma and pi bonds?
Yes, many molecules have both sigma and pi bonds. For example, in a double bond, there is one sigma bond and one pi bond, demonstrating their coexistence in molecular structures.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.