Sigma bond

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bond between two atoms : localisation of electronic density.

Electron atomic and molecular orbitals, showing among others the sigma bond of two sorbitals and a sigma bond of two p-orbitals
In chemistry, sigma bonds ( bonds) are a type of covalent chemical bond. Sigma
bonding is most clearly defined for diatomic molecules using the language and tools of
symmetry groups. In this formal approach, a -bond is symmetrical with respect to
rotation about the bond axis. By this definition, common forms of sigma bonds are s+s,
pz+pz, and s+pz, and dz2+dz2 (where z is defined as the bond axis). Quantum theory also
indicates that molecular orbitals of identical symmetry mix. As a practical consequence
of mixing in diatomic molecules, the wavefunctions s+s and pz+pz molecular orbitals
become blended. The extent of mixing (or blending) depends on the relative energies of
the like-symmetry MO's.
For homodiatomics, bonding orbitals have no nodal planes between the bonded atoms.
The corresponding antibonding, or * orbital, is defined by the presence of a nodal plane
between these two bonded atoms.

Sigma bonds are the strongest type of covalent bonds. Electrons in sigma bonds are
sometimes referred to as sigma electrons.
The symbol is the Greek letter for s. When viewed down the bond axis, a MO
resembles an s atomic orbital.

[edit] Sigma bonds in polyatomic compounds

The concept of sigma bonding is extended, albeit loosely, to describe bonding
interactions involving overlap a single lobe of one orbital with a single lobe of another.
For example, propane is described as consisting of ten sigma bonds, one each for the two
C-C bonds and one each for the eight C-H bonds. The bonding in such a polyatomic
molecule is highly delocalized, which conflicts with the two-orbital, one-bond concept.
Despite this complication, the concept of bonding is extremely powerful and hence
pervasive.

[edit] Sigma bonds in multiply bonded species

Compounds that feature multiple bonds, such as ethylene and chromium(II) acetate have
sigma bonds between the multiply bonded atoms. These sigma bonds are supplemented
by -bonds, e.g. in the case of ethylene, and even -bonds, e.g. in the case of
chromium(II) acetate.

[edit] See also

Pi bond
Delta bond
Molecular geometry

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