Strength of sigma vs pi bonds

[Charysa Santos 4G]

Which is stronger: a sigma or a pi bond, and why?

[Christine Honda 2I]

A sigma bond is stronger. Sigma bonds result from the head-on overlap of the orbitals of the two atoms, which has more area of overlap than pi bonds which result from the parallel overlap of orbitals. That is why sigma bonds are stronger.

[rabiasumar2E]

Sigma bonds are stronger than pi bonds because they overlap head on and a greater overlap = a stronger bond. Pi bonds overlap from the side therefore their bond is not as strong because the overlap is not as much.

[ASetlur_1G]

In addition to overlap, the electrons in a sigma bond are directly between the 2 nuclei so the nuclei have a strong hold over the electrons. The electrons in a pi bond are further away from the nuclei, so it's easier to break a pi bond.

[rohun2H]

Sigma bonds are stronger due to greater overlap end-to-end but also be sure to remember sigma bonds allow for rotation whereas pi bonds are rigid.

[ShastaB4C]

So does that mean that molecules with pi bonds are more reactive?

[preyasikumar_2L]

Sigma bonds are stronger because the bonding pair of electrons in sigma bonds is localised closer to the nuclei of the bonded atoms (on average). There is greater overlap.