Chapter 9, Problem 23PE

The MO energy level diagram for the nitrogen monoxide molecule is essentially the same as that shown in Table 9.1 for ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$, except the oxygen orbitals arc slightly lower in energy than the corresponding nitrogen orbitals. Sketch the energy diagram for nitrogen monoxide and indicate which MOs are populated. Calculate the bond order for the molecule. (Hint: Make adjustments to figure 9.41b.)

Figure 9.41 Approximate relative energies of molecular orbitals in Period 2 diatomic molecules. (a) ${\text{Li}}_{\text{2}}$ through ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}$. (b) ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ through ${\text{Ne}}_{\text{2}}$.