Molecular Orbitals and Hybridization

Molecular Orbitals and Hybridization

1. Although the Lewis representation is a useful model to represent covalent bonds it does make the false assumption that all the valence electrons are the same

2. Sigma bonds

   • a (sigma) bond is formed when two atomic orbitals on different atoms overlap along a line drawn through the two nuclei.
   • This occurs when two s orbitals overlap, an s orbital overlaps with a p orbital, or when two p orbitals overlap 'head on'.

3. Pi bonds

   • Pi bond is formed when two p orbitals overlap 'sideways on'
   • the overlap now occurs above and below the line drawn through the two nuclei
   • A pi bond is made up of two regions of electron density.

4. Hybridization

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