Notation for sigma and pi bonds [ENDORSED]

[Yixin Angela Wang 2H]

Could someone explain the notation for writing out and describing sigma and pi bonds, and how we know which orbitals are involved?

[Chem_Mod]

Remember that double bonds contain one sigma and one pi bond (triple bonds, one sigma and two pi bonds). In regards to notation, you would indicate the bond between the atoms and write out the hybridization, atom, and type of bond. For example, C=O has one sigma and one pi. The notation would be: (C2sp², O2sp²) and (C2p, O2p). The orbitals that contain sigma bonds are sp hybridized orbitals, and the orbitals that contain pi orbitals are p orbitals.