Figure \PageIndex3: Formation of π Molecular Orbitals from np x and np y Atomic Orbitals on Adjacent Atoms.(a) Because the signs of the lobes of both the np x and the np y atomic orbitals on adj...Figure \PageIndex3: Formation of π Molecular Orbitals from np x and np y Atomic Orbitals on Adjacent Atoms.(a) Because the signs of the lobes of both the np x and the np y atomic orbitals on adjacent atoms are the same, in both cases the mathematical sum corresponds to a π (bonding) molecular orbital. (b) In contrast, in both cases, the mathematical difference corresponds to a π* (antibonding) molecular orbital, with a nodal plane of zero probability density perpendicular to the internucl…
