Question

The energy-level diagram shown here can be continued to higher energies. The next few orbitals, in order of increasing energy, are σ3s, σ3s*, π 3p, σ3p, π 3p* and σ3p*; in other words, the σ2s to σ2p* pattern is repeated. Determine the bond order of a Mg2 molecule. Determine the bond of a Mg2 molecule. Predict the stability of a Mg2 molecule.

Answer 1

The bond order of Mg2 molecule is given by:

Mg2 = 4e⁻= 3σs(2e⁻) 3σs*(2e⁻) 3σp(0) 3πp(0e⁻) 3πp*(0e⁻) 3σp*(0e⁻)

Bond Order = ½[Σ (bonding e-) - Σ (antibonding e-)]

bo = ½[ {σs(2e⁻)} - {σs*(2e⁻)}] = 0

the bond between Mg2 molecules are ionic bonding and it stable.