Textbook Question
Assume that the MOs of diatomics from the third row of the periodic table, such as P2, are analogous to those from the second row.
c. For the P2 molecule, how many electrons occupy the MO in the figure?
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
MO Theory: Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules
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Determine the number of electrons found in the π2p orbitals for the dioxygen dication, O22+.
A
2
B
0
C
4
D
3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular orbital configuration for the dioxygen molecule (O2). The configuration is: σ2s², σ*2s², σ2p², π2p⁴, π*2p².
Determine the effect of removing two electrons to form the dioxygen dication (O2²⁺). Removing two electrons from the highest energy orbitals, which are the π*2p orbitals, results in the configuration: σ2s², σ*2s², σ2p², π2p⁴.
Focus on the π2p orbitals. In the O2 molecule, these orbitals are filled with 4 electrons.
Since the removal of electrons affects the π*2p orbitals, the π2p orbitals remain unchanged with 4 electrons in the O2²⁺ ion.
Conclude that the number of electrons in the π2p orbitals for the dioxygen dication (O2²⁺) is 4.
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