Question

The banana bond in diborane is constituted by:

• A. 3-atoms and 2-electrons
• B. 2-atoms and 2-electrons
• C. 3-atoms and 3-electrons
• D. 2-atoms and 3-electrons

Hint:

The concept of a three-center, two-electron bond, or "banana bond," is important in understanding the unusual bonding in compounds like diborane and helps explain the structure of other electron-deficient molecules.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The banana bond in diborane is a unique bonding structure that involves three atoms and two electrons. It is found in diborane (B\(_2\)H\(_6\)), a molecule that exhibits two-center, two-electron bonds between boron and hydrogen, as well as three-center, two-electron bonds between boron and hydrogen. This three-center, two-electron bond is commonly referred to as a "banana bond" due to its characteristic shape.

The bonding in diborane can be explained as follows:
3-atoms and 2-electrons (A): The banana bond forms between three atoms—two boron atoms and one hydrogen atom—sharing two electrons. This type of bond is found in diborane.
2-atoms and 2-electrons (B): This does not accurately describe the banana bond because the banana bond involves three atoms, not two.
3-atoms and 3-electrons (C): This is incorrect as the banana bond is formed by two electrons, not three.
2-atoms and 3-electrons (D): This also does not correctly describe the banana bond as it does not follow the typical bonding pattern in diborane.

Thus, the correct answer is (A) 3-atoms and 2-electrons.