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Chemistry / Unit 6   Chem 1115 short lesson, about 20 seconds

A Double Bond as Sigma Plus Pi

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The idea

A double bond consists of exactly one sigma bond from hybrid-orbital overlap plus one pi bond from leftover unhybridized p-orbital overlap.

In practice

Ethylene's carbon-carbon double bond is one sp²-sp² sigma bond plus one pi bond from the remaining unhybridized p orbitals.

Where people slip

A double bond's second bond is always a pi bond, never a second sigma bond; two atoms share only one overlap axis.

Your place on the trail

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