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 $\sigma$ or $\pi$ 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 if they have at least one antibonding MO that is occupied. This can occur in molecules with an odd number of electrons as well. Therefore, the statement that all electrons must be paired in a stable molecule with an even number of electrons is incorrect.

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

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