Chapter 14, Problem 45E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The ion from the given pair that can easily gain an electron on the basis of molecular orbital theory needs to be identified.

  $\text{CN}\text{}\text{ or NO}$ and ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}^{\text{2+}}{\text{ or N}}_{\text{2}}^{\text{2+}}$

Concept Introduction: Molecular orbital theory explained the bonding, magnetic and spectral properties of molecule. It is based on the formation of molecular orbitals by the combination of atomic orbitals. On the basis of energy and stability these molecular orbitals can be further classified in three types:

• Bonding molecular orbitals (BMO): They have lesser energy than atomic orbital therefore more stable compare to atomic orbital.
• Antibonding molecular orbitals (ABMO): They have higher energy than atomic orbital therefore less stable compare to atomic orbital.
• Non-bonding molecular orbitals (NBMO): They have same energy as atomic orbital.

Molecular orbital diagrams represents the distribution of electrons in different molecular orbitals in increasing order of their energy. Hence lower energy molecular orbitals occupy first then only electron moves in higher energy orbitals.