The following molecular orbital energy level diagram shows the energies and occupancies of the MOs derived from the atomic 2p orbitals for an oxygen-containing binary compound of potassium.This compound is a
A)peroxide that is attracted by magnetic fields.
B)peroxide that is repelled by magnetic fields.
C)superoxide that is attracted by magnetic fields.
D)superoxide that is repelled by magnetic fields.

Question

The following molecular orbital energy level diagram shows the energies and occupancies of the MOs derived from the atomic 2p orbitals for an oxygen-containing binary compound of potassium.This compound is a 
A)peroxide that is attracted by magnetic fields. 
B)peroxide that is repelled by magnetic fields. 
C)superoxide that is attracted by magnetic fields. 
D)superoxide that is repelled by magnetic fields.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The diagram shows that there are two unpaired electrons occupying the antibonding pi* orbitals, which is a characteristic of superoxide. Additionally, the presence of unpaired electrons suggests that the compound is paramagnetic and will be attracted by magnetic fields. Therefore, the best choice is superoxide that is attracted by magnetic fields.

The Following Molecular Orbital Energy Level Diagram Shows the Energies