The highest energy occupied molecular orbital in the C-C bond of the C₂ molecule is ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) in the C-C bond of the C₂ molecule is the π_2p. This is because the carbon-carbon bond in this molecule is a double bond, consisting of one sigma (σ) bond and one pi (π) bond. The σ bond is formed by the overlap of the carbon sp2 hybrid orbitals, while the π bond is formed by the overlap of two unhybridized p orbitals. The π_2p orbital is the highest energy occupied orbital that is involved in the π bonding interaction between the two carbon atoms.

The Highest Energy Occupied Molecular Orbital in the C-C Bond