What type of bonds are formed from the specified orbital overlaps?

In molecular bonding, understanding the types of bonds formed through orbital overlaps is fundamental. When two atomic orbitals overlap, the nature of that overlap determines whether a sigma (σ) bond or a pi (π) bond is formed.

Sigma bonds are generally formed by the head-on overlap of orbitals. This can occur between s-s, s-p, or p-p orbitals, where the electron density is concentrated along the axis connecting the two nuclei. Because of this direct overlap, sigma bonds are typically stronger and more stable than pi bonds.

On the other hand, pi bonds occur from the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals that are oriented parallel to each other. This creates electron density above and below the axis connecting the nuclei rather than directly between them. Pi bonds are typically present in conjunction with sigma bonds in double and triple bonds, but they cannot exist independently without a sigma bond being present first.

The assertion that the first type of overlap leads to a pi bond suggests that the specific orbital overlap involved is lateral, which aligns with the characteristic formation of pi bonds from parallel p orbitals. Conversely, the statement that the second and third types of overlaps lead to sigma bonds indicates that the overlaps in those cases involve either head-on interactions or some other