Chapter 4, Problem 79E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The bonding in ${\text{C}}_{\text{2}}{}^{2-}$ ion, is to be described using the localized electron model and molecular orbital model.

Concept introduction: The valence bond theory is based on the assumption that all the bonds present between two atoms are localized bonds formed by the donation of an electron from each atom. The localized electron model consists of the following,

• The Lewis structure is drawn.
• The arrangement of the electron pairs is determined.
• The required hybrid orbitals are specified.

The electronic configuration for multi-electron atom is written using the molecular orbitals. The bond order is calculated by difference between the anti-bonding electrons and the bonding electrons by two. This can be stated as,

$\text{Bond}\text{order}=\frac{\left[\left(\begin{array}{l}\text{Electrons}\text{in}\\ \text{bonding}\text{orbitals}\end{array}\right)-\left(\begin{array}{l}\text{Electrons}\text{in}\\ \text{anti-bonding}\text{orbitals}\end{array}\right)\right]}{2}$

To determine: Bonding in ${\text{C}}_{\text{2}}{}^{2-}$ on the basis of the localized electron model and molecular orbital model.