Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Molecular Orbitals (MOs)
Molecular orbitals are formed by the linear combination of atomic orbitals when atoms bond together. In the case of 1,3-butadiene, the MOs can be classified based on their energy levels, with the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) being the highest energy orbital that contains electrons, and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) being the lowest energy orbital that is empty. Understanding these orbitals is crucial for analyzing electronic transitions and reactivity.
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HOMO and LUMO
The HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) and LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) are key concepts in molecular orbital theory that describe the electronic structure of a molecule. The HOMO is the orbital that contains the highest energy electrons, while the LUMO is the first available orbital for electron excitation. The energy gap between these two orbitals is significant for predicting the molecule's reactivity and absorption of light, particularly in excited states.
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Symmetric and Antisymmetric Orbitals
Symmetric and antisymmetric orbitals refer to the behavior of molecular orbitals under the exchange of two identical particles, such as electrons. Symmetric orbitals remain unchanged when the particles are swapped, while antisymmetric orbitals change sign. This distinction is important in determining the allowed configurations of electrons in MOs, influencing the stability and reactivity of the molecule, particularly in the context of excited states and electronic transitions.
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