Chapter 9, Problem 9D.2BE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The molecular orbital diagram for $\text{IF}$ has to be sketched and its ground state electronic configuration has to be deduced.  The bond length of $\text{IF}$ has to be compared with that of ${\text{IF}}^{-}$ and ${\text{IF}}^{+}$.

Concept introduction:

The fundamental concept of the valence-bond wavefunction for hydrogen molecule can be applied for the diatomic and polyatomic molecules.  Molecular orbital wavefunction are the linear combination of atomic orbitals.  Antibonding molecular orbitals are formed by the in-phase interactions of two different orbitals and bonding interactions are formed by the out of phase interactions of two different orbitals.