How many electrons are present in the nonbonding π molecular orbital of the allyl anion?
A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3
E) 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The allyl anion has a total of 10 electrons. When we draw the molecular orbitals of the allyl anion, we see that there are three π molecular orbitals, one bonding and two nonbonding. The two nonbonding orbitals each hold two electrons. Therefore, the total number of electrons in the nonbonding π molecular orbitals is 2+2 = 4. However, since we are asked specifically about the nonbonding π orbital, we only consider one orbital, which contains two electrons. Thus, the correct answer is C, 2 electrons.

How Many Electrons Are Present in the Nonbonding π Molecular