Discussion
Let \(\phi_{x}^{C}\) and \(\phi_{z}^{C}\) denote the wavefunctions of the 2px and 2pz orbitals of carbon, respectively, and \(\phi_{x}^{O}\) and \(\phi_{z}^{O}\) represent the wavefunctions of the 2px and 2pz orbitals of oxygen, respectively. If \(c_{1}\) and \(c_{2}\) are constants used in linear combinations and the CO molecule is oriented along the z axis, then, according to molecular orbital theory, the π-bonding molecular orbital has a wavefunction given by
Answer: D
The π-bonding orbital is \(c_{1}\phi_{x}^{C} + c_{2}\phi_{x}^{O}\).
With the molecule along the z axis, a π orbital is built from p orbitals perpendicular to the bond, that is, 2px (or 2py), and only orbitals of the same symmetry about the axis can combine. So the π MO combines 2px on carbon with 2px on oxygen, in phase for the bonding combination.
2pz on carbon with 2pz on oxygen point along the bond and give a σ orbital, not a π orbital. A 2pz with a 2px on the other atom has zero net overlap by symmetry: one is symmetric and the other antisymmetric under reflection through the yz plane, so the two mixed options describe no bond at all.
Post your comment
Please log in or register to post a comment.
Examination Categories
- SSC Exams
- Banking Exams
- Teaching Exams
- Civil Services Exams
- Railways Exams
- Engineering Recruitment Exams
- Defence Exams
- State Government Exams
- Police Exams
- Insurance Exams
- Nursing Exams
- Other Government Exams
- NRA CET
- PG Entrance Exams
- Campus Placement
- MBA Entrance Exams
- CUET and UG Entrance
- Judiciary Exams
- Regulatory Body Exams
- Software Development