Question

Choose the incorrect statement from the following options.

(a) In bonding molecular orbital, electron density is low in the region between the nuclei of bonded atoms

(b) The energy of antibonding molecular orbital is higher than that of atomic orbitals from which it is formed

(c) Every electron in bonding molecular orbital contributes toward stability of the molecule

(d) Antibonding takes place when lobes of atomic orbitals have different signs

I had been asked this question in an interview for job.

My doubt stems from Molecular Orbital Theory topic in chapter Atoms to Molecules to Material’s for Engineers of Engineering Chemistry I

Answer 1

Right option is (a) In bonding molecular orbital, electron density is low in the region between the nuclei of bonded atoms

Explanation: In bonding molecular orbital, the electron density is high in the region between the nuclei of bonded atoms. All the other options are correct. The energy of antibonding molecular orbital is higher than that of atomic orbitals from which it is formed. Every electron in bonding molecular orbital contributes to the stability of the molecule. Antibonding takes place when lobes of atomic orbitals have different signs.