According to molecular orbital theory, overlap of two p atomic orbitals produces which type of molecular orbitals?

• A. sigma and pi molecular orbitals
• B. only pi molecular orbitals
• C. only sigma molecular orbitals
• D. delta molecular orbitals

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that molecular orbital theory describes how atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals when atoms bond.
2. Understand that p atomic orbitals can overlap in different ways depending on their orientation: end-to-end overlap and side-by-side overlap.
3. End-to-end overlap of two p orbitals along the internuclear axis produces a sigma (\sigma) molecular orbital, characterized by electron density along the axis connecting the two nuclei.
4. Side-by-side overlap of two p orbitals produces a pi (\pi) molecular orbital, where electron density is concentrated above and below the internuclear axis.
5. Therefore, the overlap of two p atomic orbitals can produce both sigma (\sigma) and pi (\pi) molecular orbitals, depending on the type of overlap.