Question

Pair of species among the following having same bond order as well as paramagnetic character will be:

• A. O$_2^-$, N$_2^-$
• B. O$_2^+$, N$_2^{2-}$
• C. O$_2^-$, N$_2^+$
• D. O$_2^+$, N$_2^-$

Hint:

Species with odd number of electrons are generally paramagnetic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Bond order calculation.
Bond order of O$_2^+$ = 2.5 and bond order of N$_2^-$ = 2.5.
Step 2: Magnetic nature.
Both species contain one unpaired electron, hence both are paramagnetic.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, O$_2^+$ and N$_2^-$ have same bond order and are paramagnetic.