What type of bond does carbon make with another atom if it is classified as pi bond?

A pi bond is formed when two atomic orbitals overlap in a way that allows for shared electrons; this typically occurs alongside a sigma bond. In the context of molecular bonding, pi bonds are not the primary bonds formed when two atoms first come together, as they are secondary or additional bonds that occur after the initial sigma bond has been established.

When carbon forms a bond with another atom and that bond is classified as a pi bond, it is generally in the context of double or triple bonds. A double bond consists of one sigma bond and one pi bond, while a triple bond consists of one sigma bond and two pi bonds. Therefore, when a bond is classified specifically as a pi bond, it indicates that it is part of either a second bond in a double bond or a third bond in a triple bond.

This understanding underscores why the correct classification for a pi bond is as part of a second or third bond between two atoms, marking it as an extension of the bonding capability of carbon beyond a single connection with another atom, which would consist solely of a sigma bond.