Last Updated: 6 May 2026Verified for JEE 2027
ChemistryJEE
Difference Between Sigma (σ) Bond and Pi (π) Bond
Sigma and pi bonds are the two types of covalent bonds formed by orbital overlap. Understanding their differences is crucial for organic chemistry and molecular geometry.
Sigma (σ) Bond vs Pi (π) Bond — Comparison Table
| Aspect | Sigma (σ) Bond | Pi (π) Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | Head-on (axial) overlap | Lateral (sideways) overlap |
| Strength | Stronger | Weaker |
| Rotation | Free rotation possible | Restricts rotation |
| Formation | s-s, s-p, p-p head-on | p-p lateral overlap |
| Number per bond | Always first bond formed | Second and third bonds |
| Shape | Cylindrically symmetric | Two lobes above and below |
| Example | Single bond in H₂ | Second bond in O₂ (O=O) |
Key Points to Remember
A single bond = 1σ; double bond = 1σ + 1π; triple bond = 1σ + 2π
σ bonds determine molecular geometry (VSEPR theory)
π bonds are responsible for resonance and conjugation
Hybridization affects σ bonds (sp, sp², sp³)
Exam Relevance
This topic falls under Chemical Bonding in Chemistry for JEE. Questions on the difference between sigma (σ) bond and pi (π) bond appear frequently in competitive exams, both as direct MCQs and as part of numerical/assertion-reason problems.
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