Comparing MO Labelling Schemes: LHS vs. RHS

  • Thread starter etotheipi
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In summary, there are two different labelling schemes for MOs shown on the left and right of the diagram. The left side follows a simple naming scheme based on the AOs from which the MOs are derived, while the right side uses a numbering scheme to distinguish orbitals of the same symmetry. The numbering starts with 1 and increases for each orbital of the same symmetry. The symmetry is specified by the sigma/pi and u/g labels.
  • #1
etotheipi
Two different labelling schemes for MOs are shown on the left and right of this diagram:

1602192168794.png


I understand the LHS naming scheme, since the MOs are simply labelled according to the AOs from which they are derived (along with ##\sigma##/##\pi## and ##u##/##g## for the MO).

I don't understand the numbering scheme on the RHS. The book says that 'orbitals of the same symmetry are distinguished from one another by numbering them 1,2,...'. What does this mean? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
There is the first sigma_g orbital, the second sigma_g orbital, the first sigma_u orbital, the second sigma_u orbital ... The symmetry is specified here by sigma/pi and the u/g label.
 
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  • #3
DrDu said:
There is the first sigma_g orbital, the second sigma_g orbital, the first sigma_u orbital, the second sigma_u orbital ... The symmetry is specified here by sigma/pi and the u/g label.

Ah, I see. Thanks!
 

1. What is the difference between LHS and RHS in MO labelling schemes?

The LHS (Left-Hand Side) and RHS (Right-Hand Side) in MO (Molecular Orbital) labelling schemes refer to the two sides of an equation that represents the distribution of electrons in a molecule. The LHS represents the reactants, while the RHS represents the products.

2. Which labelling scheme is more commonly used in scientific research?

The LHS labelling scheme is more commonly used in scientific research. This is because it follows the traditional convention of writing chemical reactions and is more intuitive for chemists to understand.

3. How do LHS and RHS labelling schemes affect the interpretation of molecular orbital diagrams?

The LHS and RHS labelling schemes do not affect the interpretation of molecular orbital diagrams. They simply provide a different way of representing the distribution of electrons in a molecule.

4. Are there any advantages of using the RHS labelling scheme?

One advantage of using the RHS labelling scheme is that it can sometimes provide a more accurate representation of the electron distribution in a molecule, especially for more complex molecules. It can also be useful for comparing the reactants and products in a chemical reaction.

5. How can I convert between LHS and RHS labelling schemes?

To convert between LHS and RHS labelling schemes, you can simply flip the equation and switch the positions of the reactants and products. However, it is important to note that the overall electron distribution and energy levels will remain the same.

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