Question

According to molecular orbital theory, antibonding molecular orbitals of O\(_2\) contain

• A. 4 electrons
• B. 6 electrons
• C. 10 electrons
• D. 8 electrons

Hint:

Antibonding molecular orbitals in O\(_2\) contain 4 electrons, which are placed in the \(\pi^*\) orbitals.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding molecular orbitals.
In molecular orbital theory, the antibonding molecular orbitals of diatomic oxygen (O\(_2\)) are formed from the overlap of atomic orbitals. For O\(_2\), the antibonding orbitals are the \(\sigma^*\) and \(\pi^*\) orbitals. O\(_2\) has a total of 16 electrons, with 10 electrons in bonding orbitals and 6 in antibonding orbitals. Of these, 4 electrons occupy the antibonding \(\pi^*\) orbitals.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) 4 electrons: This is correct. O\(_2\) has 4 electrons in antibonding molecular orbitals, specifically in the \(\pi^*\) orbitals.
(B) 6 electrons: This is incorrect. There are only 4 electrons in antibonding orbitals in O\(_2\).
(C) 10 electrons: This is incorrect. Only 4 electrons are in antibonding orbitals, not 10.
(D) 8 electrons: This is incorrect. O\(_2\) has 4 electrons in antibonding orbitals.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) 4 electrons.