Question

The number of antibonding electrons in \( N_2^+ \), \( O_2^+ \), \( O_2^- \) is respectively:

• A. 6, 5, 4
• B. 4, 4, 6
• C. 5, 5, 6
• D. 4, 5, 6

Hint:

Antibonding electrons are found in the \( \sigma^* \) and \( \pi^* \) orbitals and are filled after the bonding orbitals in molecular orbital theory.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The antibonding electrons are those in the \( \sigma^ \) and \( \pi^ \) molecular orbitals. For each species:
- \( N_2^+ \) has 15 electrons, which means 6 antibonding electrons.
- \( O_2^+ \) has 15 electrons, resulting in 5 antibonding electrons.
- \( O_2^- \) has 17 electrons, resulting in 4 antibonding electrons.
Thus, the number of antibonding electrons in \( N_2^+ \), \( O_2^+ \), and \( O_2^- \) is 4, 5, 6.
Thus, the correct answer is Option 4.