Chemistry Molecular orbital theory: assigning electrons

AI Thread Summary
Molecular orbital theory states that valence electrons in molecules are not assigned to individual atoms but are instead delocalized across the entire molecule. This implies that even lone pairs are not localized to specific atoms; rather, they occupy molecular orbitals that extend over the molecule. The concept emphasizes that molecular orbitals represent the collective behavior of electrons in a molecule. Understanding this delocalization is crucial for predicting molecular properties and reactivity. Overall, molecular orbitals provide a more comprehensive view of electron distribution than traditional atomic orbital models.
mcfaker
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
Hello,

Is it true that according to molecular orbital theory valence electrons in molecules are not assigned to individual atoms?

Does this mean that even lone pairs are not assigned to inidividual atoms in a molecule , but rather assigned to a specified area across the molecule?


Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
More or less, yes.

Molecular orbitals are orbitals for the entire molecule.
 
Thanks I really appreciate your help!
 

Thread 'Prove that evolution is constant (Provide at least two arguments to support your position)'

I don't get how to argue it. i can prove: evolution is the ability to adapt, whether it's progression or regression from some point of view, so if evolution is not constant then animal generations couldn`t stay alive for a big amount of time because when climate is changing this generations die. but they dont. so evolution is constant. but its not an argument, right? how to fing arguments when i only prove it.. analytically, i guess it called that (this is indirectly related to biology, im...
View full post »

Similar threads

Chemistry Why Are Options B and C Incorrect for HOMO-LUMO Energy Gap?
Replies
4
Views
3K
Chemistry How to understand hybridization in ##CH_3NNN##?
Replies
4
Views
3K
Frontier Molecular Orbital Theory Problem
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is maximum Pauling electronegativity or energy difference between orbitals?
Replies
3
Views
2K
MHB Molecular orbital theory question about energy level diagrams
Replies
3
Views
2K
Chemistry Finding the molecular formula of an unknown hydrocarbon
Replies
4
Views
3K
Chemistry How do we know ##BF_3## has Lewis structure but ##Al_2S_3## does not?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculating the Molecular Orbitals of a Molecular State
Replies
1
Views
2K
Chemistry Molecular orbital theory book reccomenations
Replies
3
Views
2K
Where Can I Find Information on the Total Molecular Hamiltonian?
Replies
9
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top