In which of the following molecules does the molecular orbital configuration lea

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Question: In which of the following molecules does the molecular orbital configuration lead to paramagnetism?

Options:

Correct Answer: O2

Solution:

O2 is paramagnetic due to the presence of two unpaired electrons in its molecular orbitals.

In which of the following molecules does the molecular orbital configuration lead to paramagnetism?

In which of the following molecules does the molecular orbital configuration lead to paramagnetism?

Step 1: Understand what paramagnetism means. Paramagnetic substances have unpaired electrons in their molecular orbitals.
Step 2: Identify the molecular orbital configuration of O2. O2 has a total of 16 electrons.
Step 3: Fill the molecular orbitals according to the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle.
Step 4: In the case of O2, the molecular orbital configuration is: (σ1s)² (σ*1s)² (σ2s)² (σ*2s)² (σ2p)² (π2p)² (π*2p)¹ (π*2p)¹.
Step 5: Look for unpaired electrons in the configuration. O2 has two unpaired electrons in the π*2p orbitals.
Step 6: Conclude that since O2 has unpaired electrons, it is paramagnetic.

Molecular Orbital Theory – This theory explains the behavior of electrons in molecules, including the formation of bonding and antibonding orbitals.
Paramagnetism – A property of substances that have unpaired electrons, causing them to be attracted to magnetic fields.
Electron Configuration – The arrangement of electrons in molecular orbitals, which determines the magnetic properties of a molecule.