Question

The N–O bond order in [NO]⁻ is _______

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2

To determine the bond order in [NO]⁻, we need to use molecular orbital theory. The electronic configuration of NO⁻ is the same as the molecular orbital configuration of NO, but with one additional electron due to the negative charge. In the case of NO, the molecular orbital diagram suggests a bond order of 2.

The addition of one electron to NO, forming [NO]⁻, increases the number of electrons in the bonding molecular orbitals, but does not change the bond order significantly because the additional electron does not affect the bond order calculated by the molecular orbital theory.

Thus, the bond order of N–O in [NO]⁻ remains 2, which is similar to that of NO.