Molecular Orbitals

Problems and Solutions

Problem 1.1:

Paramagnetic materials, those with unpaired electrons, are attracted by magnetic fields whereas diamagnetic materials, those with no unpaired electrons, are weakly repelled by such fields. By constructing a molecular orbital picture for each of the following molecules, determine whether it is paramagnetic or diamagnetic.

a. B₂
b. C₂
c. O₂
d. NO
e. CO

Solution for Problem 1.1

Problem 1.2:

Calculate the bond order for each of the following molecules (Hint: first draw a correlation diagram for each).

a. B₂
b. C₂
c. O₂
d. NO
e. CO

Solution for Problem 1.2

Problem 1.3:

Predict the hybridization of the central atom in each of the following molecules.

a. CH₄
b. HCCCH
c. IF₄^-
d. IF ₄⁺
e. CH₂O

Solution for Problem 1.3

Problem 1.4:

Combining what you know about resonance and hybridization, predict the hybridization of each oxygen in the acetate ion--CH₃CO₂^-.