A pi bond is formed by sideways overlap of p orbitals and lies above and below the bond axis.

A pi bond is formed by sideways overlap of p orbitals and lies above and below the bond axis.

• A. A pi bond is formed by end-on overlap along the bond axis.
• B. A pi bond is formed by sideways overlap of p orbitals and lies above and below the bond axis.
• C. A pi bond is formed by the overlap of s orbitals.
• D. A pi bond is formed by ionic interaction.

Answer: (B)

Pi bonds form by sideways overlap of p orbitals from adjacent atoms, creating electron density above and below the bond axis rather than along it. This lateral overlap sits perpendicular to the line joining the nuclei and is what gives a double bond its additional bond without adding more along the axis. In contrast, end-on overlap along the bond axis produces a sigma bond, often from s orbitals or hybridized orbitals, and is the single bond component that lies directly between the nuclei. Overlap of s orbitals also forms sigma bonds. Ionic interactions describe electrostatic attractions in ionic bonds rather than covalent pi bonding. So the description of a pi bond as sideways overlap of p orbitals with density above and below the bond axis best captures the concept.

Pi bonds form by sideways overlap of p orbitals from adjacent atoms, creating electron density above and below the bond axis rather than along it. This lateral overlap sits perpendicular to the line joining the nuclei and is what gives a double bond its additional bond without adding more along the axis. In contrast, end-on overlap along the bond axis produces a sigma bond, often from s orbitals or hybridized orbitals, and is the single bond component that lies directly between the nuclei. Overlap of s orbitals also forms sigma bonds. Ionic interactions describe electrostatic attractions in ionic bonds rather than covalent pi bonding. So the description of a pi bond as sideways overlap of p orbitals with density above and below the bond axis best captures the concept.