Energy differences of molecular orbitals

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the energy differences between molecular orbitals, specifically comparing the 1s antibonding orbital and the 2s bonding orbital in molecules A-A and A-B. It is established that antibonding orbitals are generally higher in energy than bonding orbitals. A participant clarifies that for homonuclear diatomic molecules of the first ten elements (from hydrogen to neon), the 2s-2s bonding orbitals are indeed higher in energy than the 1s-1s antibonding orbitals. This topic is commonly taught in inorganic chemistry courses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular orbital theory
  • Familiarity with bonding and antibonding orbitals
  • Knowledge of homonuclear diatomic molecules
  • Basic principles of inorganic chemistry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study molecular orbital diagrams for various diatomic molecules
  • Research the energy levels of molecular orbitals in homonuclear diatomic molecules
  • Explore the rules for constructing molecular orbital diagrams
  • Examine the differences in molecular orbital energy levels across different elements
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, particularly those studying inorganic chemistry, educators teaching molecular orbital theory, and researchers interested in molecular structure and bonding.

Helena Wells
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Suppose we have a molecule A-A and a molecule A-B . And we want to compare the differences in energy of the different molecular orbitals for example the 1s antibonding orbital with the 2s bonding orbital.How can we do that?
 
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Antibonding orbitals are higher in energy than bonding orbitals. you can construct MO diagrams by following certain rules. at my university the skill is taught in inorganic chemistry
 
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docnet said:
Antibonding orbitals are higher in energy than bonding orbitals. you can construct MO diagrams by following certain rules. at my university the skill is taught in inorganic chemistry
I don't think that is true . Are you saying the 1s antibonding orbital has higher energy than the 2s bonding orbital?
 
Helena Wells said:
I don't think that is true . Are you saying the 1s antibonding orbital has higher energy than the 2s bonding orbital?
I was mistaken. Now I don't think the question makes any sense.
 
Here you go. My textbook says 2s-2s bonding orbitals are higher in energy than the 1s-1s antibonding orbitals for homonuclear diatomiicc molecules of the first 10 elements, from H to Ne.
Screen Shot 2021-02-21 at 5.52.43 PM.png
 

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