Chapter 14, Problem 14.6P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The regions of p AO that gives rise to bonding contributions and to antibonding contributions are to be located. Will the contributions of p AOs produce a bonding, nonbonding, or antibonding MO is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

MO arises from interacting AOs on different atoms. MO energies differ as a result of constructive and destructive interference among contributing AOs. Each pair of overlapping AOs with the same phase lowers the MO energy and is a bonding contribution to the MO, while each pair of overlapping AOs with opposite phases raises the MO energy and is an antibonding contribution to the MO. The destructive interference gives rise to a nodal plane. The contributions of the AOs to produce a bonding, nonbonding, or antibonding MO depends on the net interaction.