Distinguish between a sigma and a pi bond.
| Sigma bond | Pi bond |
| (1) Coaxial overlap results in the formation of sigma bond. | (1) Lateral overlap results in the formation of pi bond. |
| (2) Extent of overlap is larger which results in formation of stronger bond. | (2) Extent of overlap is smaller which results in formation of weaker bond. |
| (3) The molecular orbital is continuous. It has symmetry around the internuclear axis. | (3) The molecular orbital is discontinuous and posses two charge clouds above and below the internuclear axis. |
| (4) Free rotation of atoms about sigma bond is possible. | (4) Free rotation of atoms about pi bond is not possible.
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