piorbitals

Pi-orbitals are a type of atomic orbital that are characterized by their unique shape and properties. They are part of the p-subshell, which is one of the four subshells in an atom's electron configuration. Pi-orbitals are named for their resemblance to the Greek letter "pi" (π) when visualized in three dimensions.

Pi-orbitals have two lobes that are perpendicular to each other and to the axis of the orbital. This shape is a result of the combination of two p-orbitals from different atoms, typically in a molecular context. The most common example of pi-orbitals is found in molecules with double or triple bonds, such as ethene (ethylene) or ethyne (acetylene).

In ethene, for instance, the two carbon atoms each contribute a p-orbital that overlaps sideways with the p-orbital of the other carbon atom, forming a pi-bond. This sideways overlap results in the characteristic pi-orbital shape. Pi-orbitals are crucial in understanding the bonding and structure of many molecules, as they contribute to the stability and reactivity of chemical compounds.