Question

Main axis of a diatomic molecule is $z$, molecular orbital $p_x$ and $p_y$ overlap to form which of the following orbitals?

• A. $\pi$ molecular orbital
• B. $\sigma$ molecular orbital
• C. $\delta$ molecular orbital
• D. No bond will form.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

For $\pi$ overlap the lobes of the atomic orbitals are perpendicular to the line joining the nuclei.

Hence, only sidewise overlap takes place.