Draw an MO energy diagram and predict the bond order of He₂⁺ and He₂^-. Do you expect these molecules to exist in the gas phase?

• A. BO He₂⁺ = 1/2; BO He₂^- = 1/2The molecules are expected to exist in the gas phase. 
• B. BO He₂⁺ = 2; BO He₂^- = 2The molecules are expected to exist in the gas phase.
• C. BO He₂⁺ = 1; BO He₂^- = 1The molecules are not expected to exist in the gas phase. 
• D. BO He₂⁺ = 0; BO He₂^- = 0The molecules are not expected to exist in the gas phase. 

Answer: (A)