Which of the following statements relating to molecular orbital (MO) theory is incorrect?
A)Combination of two atomic orbitals produces one bonding and one antibonding MO.
B)A bonding MO is lower in energy than the two atomic orbitals from which it is formed.
C)Combination of two 2p orbitals may result in either σ orπ MOs.
D)A species with a bond order of zero will not be stable.
E)In a stable molecule having an even number of electrons, all electrons must be paired.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is incorrect because stable molecules with an even number of electrons can have unpaired electrons in their molecular orbitals, as long as the total number of electrons in bonding orbitals is greater than the number in antibonding orbitals. This is known as Hund's rule.

Which of the Following Statements Relating to Molecular Orbital (MO)