The following molecular orbital energy level diagram shows the energies and occupancies of the MOs derived from the atomic 2p orbitals for an oxygen-containing binary compound of potassium.This compound is a A)peroxide having a stronger O-O bond than O₂. B)peroxide having a weaker O-O bond than O₂. C)superoxide having a stronger O-O bond than O₂. D)superoxide having a weaker O-O bond than O₂.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy level diagram shows that the π* antibonding orbital is lower in energy than the σ* antibonding orbital. This means that bonding in this compound is primarily due to the sigma bond formed between the two oxygen atoms. The occupancy of the σ* antibonding orbital in the peroxide is lower than in the superoxide, indicating a weaker O-O bond in the peroxide. Therefore, the best choice is B, peroxide having a weaker O-O bond than superoxide.

The Following Molecular Orbital Energy Level Diagram Shows the Energies