Chemistry: Atoms First (2nd Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1305079248
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-924-3

Chapter 4 - Questions - Page 197a: 18

Answer

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Work Step by Step

Modification to the Molecular Orbital Model for $B_{2}$: The experimental evidence that $B_{2}$ (diborane) is paramagnetic, meaning it has unpaired electrons, led to a modification in the molecular orbital model. The original molecular orbital model predicted that $B_{2}$ should be diamagnetic, with all electrons paired in bonding orbitals. However, the experimental observation of paramagnetism in $B_{2}$ indicated the presence of unpaired electrons. To account for this, the molecular orbital model was modified to include the concept of electron pairing and the stability of electron configurations. The modified model suggests that the unpaired electrons in $B_{2}$ occupy the antibonding $\pi^{*}$ orbitals, which are higher in energy than the bonding $\sigma$ orbitals. This modification to the molecular orbital model demonstrates the importance of experimental evidence in refining and improving our understanding of molecular structure and bonding.
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