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Chapter 12: Problem 6

Discuss the structure of diborane using the molecular orbital concept.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The structure of diborane (B2H6) is explained using the molecular orbital concept. First, two boron atoms each bind with three hydrogen atoms to form two BH3 molecules. Then, these two BH3 molecules combine to form a B2H6 molecule. In the B2H6 molecule, there are three-centred electron deficiency bonds present, also known as banana bonds. These are explained using molecular orbital theory where two boron atoms and two hydrogen atoms combine to form 2c-2e bonds, while the rest are 3c-2e bonds.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying the Boron Atom

Start by analyzing a boron atom. Boron atom has an atomic number of 5, which translates to 5 electrons around the nucleus. In the first and second energy levels, the electron distribution is 2 and 3 respectively. Therefore, its ground state electron configuration is \( \text{{1s}}^2\text{{2s}}^2\text{{2p}}^1 \). Boron has three valence electrons.
02

Formation of Simple Covalent Bonds

Two boron atoms each combine with three hydrogen atoms to form two BH3 molecules. Each boron atom shares its three outer electrons with three hydrogen atoms. It forms three bonds, using up all its valence electrons. The resulting boron atom is thus surrounded by an octet of electrons.
03

Formation of the Diborane Molecule

Two BH3 molecules come together to form a B2H6 molecule. This is due to the desire for boron to complete its octet of electrons. This is achieved through the bridge bonds formed with surrounding hydrogen atoms.
04

Explaining Bonding using Molecular Orbital Theory

In diborane, there are three-centred electron deficiency bonds or banana bonds. Two electrons are spread over three atoms. The molecular orbital theory explains this using the formation of molecular orbitals from atomic orbitals. Two boron atoms and two hydrogen atoms form the two centre, two electron bonds. The other two bonds are three-centre, two-electron bonds, unique to boron, formed from the combination of p-orbitals of two boron atoms and one hydrogen atom.

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