Chapter 3: Problem 10

Differentiate between bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Bonding molecular orbitals result from the constructive combination of atomic orbitals, increasing electron density between nuclei and stabilizing the molecule. Antibonding molecular orbitals result from the destructive combination of atomic orbitals, decreasing electron density between nuclei and destabilizing the molecule.

Step by step solution

Define Bonding Molecular Orbitals

Bonding molecular orbitals occur when the overlapping atomic orbitals interfere in such a way that their wave functions constructively combine or add together, leading to a region of increased electron density between the nuclei. This results in a considerable decrease in the energy of the molecule and therefore leads to stability.

Define Antibonding Molecular Orbitals

Antibonding molecular orbitals, on the other hand, occur when the overlapping atomic orbitals interfere in such a way that their wave functions destructively combine or subtract, leading to a region of decreased electron density between the nuclei. This means the electron is probably found in an area other than the area between the two nuclei. This leads to an increase in the energy of the molecule, making it unstable.

Highlight the Differences

Essentially, the main difference between bonding and anti-bonding molecular orbitals is that electrons in bonding orbitals stabilize the molecule because they are found between the nuclei, while electrons in anti-bonding orbitals destabilize the molecule because they are found outside the region between the nuclei. Another difference arise from the fact that bonding orbitals are filled earlier compared to antibonding orbitals, when adding electrons.

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Differentiate between bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Bonding Molecular Orbitals

Define Antibonding Molecular Orbitals

Highlight the Differences

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