Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

σ orbital (sigma orbital): The bonding molecular orbital component of a σ bond. In this orbital the electron density is located along the bond axis.


A simplified representation of the σ orbital component of the C-F σ bond of methyl fluoride. This is a bonding molecular orbital.


A simplified representation of the σ* orbital component of the C-F σ bond of methyl fluoride. This is an antibonding molecular orbital.