21 Chemistry -- Chemical Bonding and Shapes of Molecules

Compare sigma bond and pi bond.

Compare sigma bond and pi bond.

Sigma bond is stronger than Pi bond.

Following are the major differences between pi bond and sigma bond:

Sigma Bond Pi Bond
It is formed due to the head-on overlapping of combining orbitals. It is formed due to the lateral or sideways overlapping of combining orbitals.
It is stronger than pi bond. It is weaker than sigma bond.
Sigma bond can form independently. Pi bond is formed only after the formation of sigma bond.
Free rotation is possible.

Free rotation is not possible.

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