Anti bonding Orbitals

[Nicole Gamboa 2M]

Hey everyone,

I'm a little bit confused about what an anti-bonding orbital actually is and how you can tell if something is an anti-bonding orbital vs. a bonding orbital. Thanks!

[leezashashkova]

I have the same question, and also will we be asked to draw molecular orbital diagrams?

[Alexander_Chang_1I]

Molecular orbitals form when electrons from atomic orbitals come together into regions along the molecule. Bonding orbitals have a lower energy level, and are therefore located lower in the MO (molecular orbital) diagram, while anti-bonding orbitals have a higher energy level and will be located higher up in the MO diagram. Each bonding orbital has an anti-bonding correspondent, but depending on the nuclear charge the position of these orbitals in the MO diagram will change. As of now, the only option you have is to memorize these diagrams.

[Michelle_Li_1H]

Hi,

I was wondering when you would know to draw the sigma 2p orbital above the pi 2p orbital or below it for the molecular orbital energy-level diagram?

Thanks!