Assuming the z-axis is the internuclear axis, which of the following orbital combinations results in — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

A $\pi$ bond requires the overlapping lobes to be perpendicular to the internuclear axis. If z is the internuclear axis, $p_z-p_z$ forms a head-on $\sigma$ bond. Identical $p_x-p_x$ (and $p_y-p_y$) orbitals overlap collaterally to form a $\pi$ bond.