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Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson the students

should be able to:

1. Explain how orbital overlap produces a

covalent bond.

2. Draw and describe the formation of

sigma(σ) and pi(π) bonds.

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 Valence bond theory
Valence bond theory is based on the
following four postulates:

Postulate 1:
A bond is formed when atomic valence
orbitals overlap with each other.

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Postulate 2:
Overlapping orbitals contain a pair of
electrons.

Postulate 3:
Electron density concentrates between
bonded atoms.

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Postulate 4:
The strength of the bond depends on the
degree of overlapping.

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 Covalent bond is formed when atomic
orbitals overlap.

 Only 2 electrons with their spins paired

may be shared in one set of overlapping
orbitals.

 2 types of bond:
• sigma bond (σ)
• pi bond (π)
The simplest molecule we can discuss in
terms of valence bond theory is a
hydrogen gas, H2

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- Sigma bond occurs when there is one
bonding interaction that results from the
overlapping of two orbitals end to end.
•Result from the overlapping of two s orbitals.

Example: H2
H : ↑
1s
• Result from the overlapping of s and p
orbitals.
Example: HF
 H : ↑
F : 1s
↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑_

2s 2p
valence electrons
•One of the 2p orbital of F atom is
occupied
by a single electron.
•H electron and the F electron pair up and
be shared between the two nuclei.(s orbital
of H and one p orbital of F will overlap to
share their electrons. 11
 iii) Result from overlapping of two p orbitals.

Example: Cl2

Cl : ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓
↑
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p

valence electrons

- One of the 3p orbitals is

occupied by a single e
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Example 2: F2

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 Two lobes of p orbitals overlap side-to-side
gives pi bond (sideways overlapping of two p
orbitals).

 It occurs in molecules with double or triple

bonds
π
Example: N2
Example 2:

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Exercise 1:

Give the number of σ and π bonds in:

a) N2 molecule
b) O2 molecule
c) F2 molecule

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 Conclusion

The formation of a sigma bond:

1. Formed by overlapping of s orbitals

2. Formed by overlapping of s and p orbitals.
3. Formed by head-to-head overlapping of p orbitals.

The formation of a pi bond:

1. Formed by side-to-side overlapping of p orbitals.

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