1. A Review of General Chemistry
Sigma and Pi Bonds
1. A Review of General Chemistry
Sigma and Pi Bonds
Bond Properties Summary
There’s some simple facts about different types of bonds that could show up on your exam. Here’s a really nice summary for you:
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concept
Single bonds, double bonds, and triple bonds.
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A single bond is made out of a single sigma (σ)-bond; add π-bonds to make double and triple bonds.
Counting Total Sigma and Pi Bonds
This kind of question shows up on exams often, and it’s an easy one to get right. How many sigma and pi bonds are there in the following molecules?

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example
Sigma bonds and pi bonds
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example
Sigma bonds and pi bonds
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Rank the following bonds from shortest to longest:

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Problem
ProblemRank the following bonds from shortest to longest
A
1 < 2 < 3
B
2 < 1< 3
C
3 < 2 < 1
D
2 < 3 < 1
Now you should be a pro at bond lengths and bond strengths. Let’s move on to the next topic.
Do you want more practice?
We have more practice problems on Sigma and Pi Bonds
Additional resources for Sigma and Pi Bonds
PRACTICE PROBLEMS AND ACTIVITIES (11)
- Which of the bonds in a carbon–oxygen double bond has more effective orbital–orbital overlap: the σ bond or th...
- Explain why a σ bond formed by overlap of an s orbital with an sp3 orbital of carbon is stronger than a σ bond...
- a. Which bond would be longer? b. Which bond would be stronger? A. C—Cl or C—I
- a. Which bond would be longer? b. Which bond would be stronger? B. C—C or C—Cl
- a. Which bond would be longer? b. Which bond would be stronger? C. H—Cl or H—F
- Rank the following molecules by the length of the indicated bond from shortest to longest. (a)
- The sulfur and oxygen in methanethiol and methanol are both sp³ hybridized. Why is the S―H bond longer than t...
- (••) For the following partial structures, the bond is shown. Add the indicated number of bonds, being sure ...
- a. How many s bond orbitals are available for overlap with the vacant p orbital in the methyl cation?
- Hexa-1,3,5-triene uses six p orbitals, each containing a single electron, to make its three π bonds. How many ...
- Suppose a molecule is formed by the overlap of 16 atomic orbitals. (a) How many molecular orbitals will be pr...