Bonding in ethene

Sigma (σ) Bond Formation

• Between Carbon Atoms:

  • Each carbon atom in ethene forms a sigma bond with the other carbon atom.

  • This sigma bond is made by the direct overlap of the sp² orbitals from each carbon atom.

• Between Carbon and Hydrogen Atoms:

  • Each carbon atom also forms sigma bonds with the hydrogen atoms.

  • These sigma bonds are formed by the overlap of sp² orbitals on the carbon atoms with the 1s orbitals of the hydrogen atoms.

Pi (π) Bond Formation

• Between Carbon Atoms:

  • The pi bond in ethene is the second part of the double bond between the two carbon atoms.

  • It is formed by the sideways overlap of the p orbitals from each carbon atom.

Key Points:

• The sigma bond is formed by the direct overlap of orbitals (sp² with sp², or sp² with 1s).

• The pi bond is formed by sideways overlap of p orbitals, and it makes the double bond weaker than the sigma bond.