The order of MO energies in B₂, C₂, and N₂ (σ_2p π_2p), is different from the order in O₂, F₂, and Ne₂ (σ_2p π_2p). This is due to ________. A)less effective overlap of p orbitals in O₂, F₂, and Ne₂ B)the more metallic character of boron, carbon and nitrogen as compared to oxygen, fluorine, and neon C)greater 2s-2p interaction in O₂, F₂, and Ne₂ D)greater 2s-2p interaction in B₂, C₂,and N₂ E)less effective overlap of p orbitals in B₂, C₂, and N₂

Question

The order of MO energies in B₂, C₂, and N₂ (σ_2p > π_2p), is different from the order in O₂, F₂, and Ne₂ (σ_2p > π_2p). This is due to ________. A)less effective overlap of p orbitals in O₂, F₂, and Ne₂ B)the more metallic character of boron, carbon and nitrogen as compared to oxygen, fluorine, and neon C)greater 2s-2p interaction in O₂, F₂, and Ne₂ D)greater 2s-2p interaction in B₂, C₂,and N₂ E)less effective overlap of p orbitals in B₂, C₂, and N₂

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greater 2s-2p interaction in B₂, C₂, and N₂ causes the σ2p orbital to be higher in energy than the π2p orbitals, leading to a different order of molecular orbitals compared to O₂, F₂, and Ne₂.

The Order of MO Energies in B2, C2, and N2

The Order of MO Energies in B₂, C₂, and N₂