Types of Covalent Bond

Depending upon the type of overlapping, the covalent bonds are mainly of two types:

Sigma bond (σ) 

When a bond is formed between two atoms by the overlap of their atomic orbitals along the internuclear axis, the bond formed is called sigma bond

The overlapping along the internuclear axis can take place in any one of the ways:

(1) s-s overlapping

Overlapping that take place between atoms having half-filled s – orbital in their outermost energy shell.

For example

In the formation of hydrogen molecule, 1s orbital of one hydrogen atom overlap with 1s orbital of other hydrogen atom and thus forming a sigma bond.

(2) s-p overlapping

Half filled s-orbital of one atom overlaps with the half filled p- orbital of another atom.

For example

In the formation of hydrogen fluoride, 1s orbital of hydrogen overlaps with  2p_z orbital fluorine.

 

(3) p-p overlapping

This type of overlapping occurs when p-orbital of one atom overlaps with the p orbital of the other.

For example

The molecule of fluorine is produced by overlapping of 2p_z orbitals of the two fluorine atoms.

If Z axis is chosen as the internuclear axis, no overlapping can take place between s and p_x , p_y or p_z orbital i.e.  there is zero overlap.

Pi bond (π)

Pi bond is formed by lateral or sideways overlapping of p orbital that is why overlapping of p orbital in a direction at right angles to the inter nuclear axis.

Oxygen Molecule

In oxygen molecule the electronic configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p_x² 2p_y¹ 2p_z^{1 ,} the two atoms are held together by one sigma bond and one pi bond.

Nitrogen Molecule

In nitrogen molecule the electronic configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p_x¹ 2p_y¹ 2p_z¹ atoms are held together by 1 Sigma and 2 Pi bonds.

Strength of Sigma and Pi bonds

(1) The strength of a bond depends upon the extent of overlapping.

(2) In the formation of sigma bond overlapping is along the internuclear axis ,therefore ,there is considerable overlapping. Hence, the sigma bond is a strong bond.

(3) In case of formation of Pi bond, sideways overlapping take place which is only to do a small extend. Hence π bond is a weak Bond.

 

Symmetry of Sigma and Pi electron cloud

In sigma bond ,the electron cloud is symmetrical about the internuclear axis and in π bond, it is unsymmetrical, being more  concentrated above and below the plane of atomic nuclei.

Action of positive ,negative and zero overlap

Difference between Sigma and Pi bonds