Questions: Identify the HOMO in the MO diagram of NO (shown below). A σ (2s orbitals) B σ (2pz orbitals) C π (2px and 2py) D π* (2px or 2py) E σ*(2pz)

Transcript text: Identify the HOMO in the MO diagram of NO (shown below). A $\sigma$ (2s orbitals) B $\sigma$ (2pz orbitals) C $\pi$ (2px and $2 p y$ ) D $\pi^{*}$ (2px or 2py) E $\sigma^{*}(2 p z)$

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Molecular Orbital (MO) Diagram for NO

The molecular orbital diagram for NO (nitric oxide) involves the combination of atomic orbitals from nitrogen and oxygen. The key orbitals to consider are the 2s and 2p orbitals. The molecular orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle.

Step 2: Identifying the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO)

The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) is the molecular orbital that contains the highest energy electrons that are still occupied. For NO, the electron configuration in the molecular orbitals is typically:

$\sigma(2s)$
$\sigma^*(2s)$
$\sigma(2p_z)$
$\pi(2p_x) = \pi(2p_y)$
$\pi^_(2p_x) = \pi^_(2p_y)$

The electrons fill these orbitals in order of increasing energy. For NO, the $\pi^_(2p_x)$ and $\pi^_(2p_y)$ orbitals are partially filled, making them the highest occupied molecular orbitals.

Step 3: Selecting the Correct Option

From the given options, we need to identify which corresponds to the HOMO. The $\pi^_(2p_x)$ and $\pi^_(2p_y)$ orbitals are the highest occupied, which corresponds to option D.

Final Answer

$\boxed{\text{D } \pi^{*} (2p_x \text{ or } 2p_y)}$

Was this solution helpful?

Unhelpful

Helpful

Questions asked by other users

< Previous Next >

Thank you for your feedback.

Copied!