Editing Molecular orbital (section)

====σ symmetry====
{{Further|Sigma bond}}
A MO with σ symmetry results from the interaction of either two atomic s-orbitals or two atomic p<sub>z</sub>-orbitals. An MO will have σ-symmetry if the orbital is symmetric with respect to the axis joining the two nuclear centers, the internuclear axis. This means that rotation of the MO about the internuclear axis does not result in a phase change. A σ* orbital, sigma antibonding orbital, also maintains the same phase when rotated about the internuclear axis. The σ* orbital has a nodal plane that is between the nuclei and perpendicular to the internuclear axis.<ref name = H&C>Catherine E. Housecroft, Alan G. Sharpe, ''Inorganic Chemistry'', Pearson Prentice Hall; 2nd Edition, 2005, p. 29-33.</ref>