Chemistry 1301A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 2.4: Unpaired Electron, Diamagnetism, Paramagnetism

• School: Western University
• Department: Chemistry
• Course: Chemistry 1301A/B
• Professor: Felix Lee

Document Summary

Vb theory deficiencies: assumes that electrons are localized. Incorrect -> resonance structures: does not provide obvious insight on relative energies of electrons, e. g. which electrons in the molecule are highest energy, fails to predict paramagnetism and diamagnetism, paramagnetic: attracted to magnets. Nonzero net spins (one or more unpaired electrons: diamagnetic: not attracted to magnets. Electrons are not associated with specific bonds/atoms, but to the entire molecule as a. Molecular orbitals are formed by combining wavefunctions of atomic orbitals. When 2 atomic orbitals in the same phase combine. In constructive combination, no new nodes are formed. When 2 atomic orbitals of opposite phase combine. Generates a new node: no electrons shielding the positively charged nuclei away from each other -> Does not lead to bond formation (antibonding) 1s orbital is more stabilized (lower in energy) relative to 1s. 1s orbital is destabilized (higher in energy) relative to 1s.