Organic Chemistry 3.2

Molecular Orbitals

The resulting electron structure when the two atomic orbitals combine

Bonding Orbital

A lower-energy, more stable orbital that results from the overlap of wave functions with the same sign.

Antibonding Orbital

A higher-energy, less stable orbital that results from the overlap of wave functions with opposite signs.

Sigma Bond

The molecular orbital formed by head to head or tail to tail overlap atomic orbitals all signal bonds are sigma bonds

Single Bonds

Sigma bonds, accommodating two electrons

Pi Bond

The bonding molecular orbital formed when two parallel p-orbitals share electrons; exists as electron clouds above and below the sigma bond between the two nuclei

Double Bond

one sigma bond and one pi bond

Triple Bond

a sigma bond and two pi bonds