5.3: Diatomic MO Diagrams
( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)
Learning objectives for this unit are to:
- Derive molecular orbital energy diagrams for homonuclear and heteronuclear diatomic molecules, taking into account atomic orbital overlap and mixing of molecular orbitals
- Predict the bond orders for homonuclear and heteronuclear diatomic molecules and ions, and correlate bond lengths, strengths, and stabilities of molecules with bond order
- Predict the magnetic properties of molecules (diamagnetic/paramagnetic) based on the MO diagram
- Identify the HOMO and LUMO on an MO diagram
- Explain the origin and consequences of sp mixing