Chapter 9, Problem 66QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The bonding in the nitrate ion is to be explained in terms of delocalized molecular orbitals.

Concept introduction:

According to the valence bond approach, a bond is formed by the overlapping of singly occupied orbitals present on two atoms.

A hybrid orbital is formed by the mixing of two or more atomic orbitals.

Atomic or hybrid orbitals overlap along the internuclear axis to form a sigma bond, while a sideways overlap of parallel $\text{p}$

orbitals forms a pi bond.

Two atomic orbitals combine to form a bonding and an antibonding molecular orbital.

Orbitals that lie on the internuclear axis combine to form the sigma $\sigma$

molecular orbital and orbitals parallel to each other combine to form the $\pi$ molecular orbitals.