In a double bond, which bonds are present?

In a double bond, which bonds are present?

• A. sigma and delta
• B. two pi bonds
• C. sigma and pi
• D. two sigma bonds

Answer: (C)

A double bond consists of one sigma bond and one pi bond. The sigma bond forms by end-to-end overlap of orbitals along the bond axis, giving the main link between the two atoms. The pi bond arises from sideways overlap of p orbitals above and below that axis, adding a second shared electron pair but with electron density located above and below the bond plane. Together, they account for a bond order of two. Two pi bonds would occur in a triple bond, not a double bond, while two sigma bonds would lack the necessary sideways overlap that provides the second bond in a double bond. Delta bonds are not involved in typical covalent double bonds.

A double bond consists of one sigma bond and one pi bond. The sigma bond forms by end-to-end overlap of orbitals along the bond axis, giving the main link between the two atoms. The pi bond arises from sideways overlap of p orbitals above and below that axis, adding a second shared electron pair but with electron density located above and below the bond plane. Together, they account for a bond order of two.

Two pi bonds would occur in a triple bond, not a double bond, while two sigma bonds would lack the necessary sideways overlap that provides the second bond in a double bond. Delta bonds are not involved in typical covalent double bonds.