Using molecular orbital theory, explain why the removal of one electron in O2 strengthens bonding, while the removal of one electron in N2 weakens bonding?
First you have a knowledge of bond order which is B.O=(no. of electrons in bonding orbital - no. of electrons in non-bonding orbital)÷2 Note: bond strength is directly proportional to bond order. For oxygen: B.O=(6-2)/2= 2; after the removal of two electrons(removal occur from non-bonding orbital) B.O=(6-0)/2= 3 (As B.O increased bond strength increased) For Nitrogen: B.O=(6-0)/2= 3; after the removal of two electrons(removal occur from bonding orbital) B.O=(4-0)/2= 2 (As B.O decreased bond strength decreased)
