molecular orbital theory
Quick Summary
Molecular orbital (MO) theory is a quantum mechanical model used to describe the electronic structure of molecules. It posits that atomic orbitals combine to form new molecular orbitals that span the entire molecule. These molecular orbitals describe the probability distribution of electrons across all the nuclei in a molecule.123
The formation of molecular orbitals involves approximations, such as the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO), where molecular orbitals are constructed from a superposition of atomic orbitals. The interference between these atomic orbitals, whether constructive or destructive, determines the energy and shape of the resulting molecular orbital. Constructive interference leads to bonding orbitals, which lower the molecule's energy, while destructive interference creates antibonding orbitals, which increase the energy. This theory provides a more quantitative and precise understanding of chemical bonding than earlier models.124
- chemical bonding - Molecular orbitals of period-2 diatomic molecules
- chemical bonding - Molecular orbitals of H 2 and He 2
- molecular orbital
- chemical bonding - Comparison of the VB and MO theories
- chemical bonding - Molecular orbitals of polyatomic species
- chemical bonding - Shapes of atomic orbitals
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coordination compoundLigand field and molecular orbital theoriesSince 1950 it has been apparent that a more complete theory, which incorporates contributions from both ionic and covalent bonding, is necessary to give an adequate account of the properties of coordination compounds. Such a theory is the so-called ligand field theory…
Read MoreSince 1950 it has been apparent that a more complete theory, which incorporates contributions from both ionic and covalent bonding, is necessary to give an adequate account of the properties of coordination compounds. Such a theory is the so-called ligand field theory…
Read More- ligand field theory
In another theory, called the molecular orbital theory—also applied to coordination compounds—complete mixing of metal and ligand orbitals (to form molecular orbitals) and complete delocalization of electrons are assumed.
Read MoreIn another theory, called the molecular orbital theory—also applied to coordination compounds—complete mixing of metal and ligand orbitals (to form molecular orbitals) and complete delocalization of electrons are assumed.
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transition metalTheories of transition-metal complexesVan Vleck; and (3) the molecular orbital theory, the application of which to transition-metal complexes was first discussed by Van Vleck. The second and third methods are used almost exclusively, and only those two will be outlined here.
Read MoreVan Vleck; and (3) the molecular orbital theory, the application of which to transition-metal complexes was first discussed by Van Vleck. The second and third methods are used almost exclusively, and only those two will be outlined here.
Read More- transition metalMolecular-orbital theory
The molecular-orbital (MO) treatment of the electronic structures of transition-metal complexes is, in principle, a more flexible approach than the CFT or LFT treatments. Because a great many complexes and compounds in the ordinary oxidation states (+2, +3) of the transition metals are…
Read MoreThe molecular-orbital (MO) treatment of the electronic structures of transition-metal complexes is, in principle, a more flexible approach than the CFT or LFT treatments. Because a great many complexes and compounds in the ordinary oxidation states (+2, +3) of the transition metals are…
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