Question
Discuss the shapes of molecular orbitals formed by the combination of the following atomic orbitals. (lateral overlap)
(i)2px + 2py (ii) 2pz – 2pz
Solution
(i) 2px + 2px: The atomic orbitals combine by addition lateral overlap, therefore, the molecular orbital formed by the addition lateral overlap of 2px orbital is designated as bonding molecular orbital called 2px orbital.
(ii) 2p7 – 2pz: The two atomic orbitals combine by subtraction. The molecular orbital formed by the subtraction overlap of 2pz orbitals along the internuclear axis is designed as antibonding molecular orbital called o2pz orbital.
(ii) 2p7 – 2pz: The two atomic orbitals combine by subtraction. The molecular orbital formed by the subtraction overlap of 2pz orbitals along the internuclear axis is designed as antibonding molecular orbital called o2pz orbital.
