Bonding orbitals

Definition

Bonding orbitals are molecular orbitals that lower the energy of a molecule when electrons occupy them. They result from the constructive interference of atomic orbitals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bonding orbitals have lower energy than the original atomic orbitals that combine to form them.
2. When a bonding orbital is filled with electrons, it stabilizes the molecule.
3. Bonding orbitals are typically formed from in-phase combinations of atomic wave functions.
4. The presence of bonding orbitals leads to an increase in electron density between nuclei.
5. Bonding orbitals are often denoted by the Greek letter sigma ($\sigma$) or pi ($\pi$), depending on the type of bond they form.

Review Questions

• What is the primary effect of electrons occupying a bonding orbital?
• How do bonding orbitals affect the energy and stability of a molecule?
• What are common notations used for different types of bonding orbitals?

Related terms

Anti-Bonding Orbitals: Molecular orbitals that increase the energy of a molecule when occupied by electrons. They result from destructive interference between atomic orbitals.

Sigma Bond:

A type of covalent bond where electron density is concentrated along the axis connecting two nuclei, usually formed by head-on overlapping atomic orbitals.

Pi Bond: A type of covalent bond where electron density is concentrated above and below the plane of the nuclei, usually formed by side-on overlapping p-orbitals.