Skip to main content
Ch.11 - Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, VSEPR & MO Theory
Chapter 11, Problem 75

Draw an MO energy diagram and predict the bond order of Be2+ and Be2- . Do you expect these molecules to exist in the gas phase?

Verified Solution

Video duration:
0m:0s
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molecular Orbital Theory

Molecular Orbital (MO) Theory describes the behavior of electrons in molecules, where atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals that can be occupied by electrons. These orbitals are categorized as bonding, antibonding, or non-bonding, influencing the stability and properties of the molecule. Understanding MO diagrams is essential for predicting bond order and molecular stability.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:06
Molecular Orbital Theory

Bond Order

Bond order is a measure of the number of chemical bonds between a pair of atoms, calculated as the difference between the number of bonding and antibonding electrons divided by two. A higher bond order indicates a stronger and more stable bond. For diatomic molecules, bond order helps predict their existence and stability in the gas phase.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:36
Average Bond Order

Stability of Ions

The stability of ions like Be2+ and Be2- is influenced by their electronic configurations and the resulting bond orders. Be2+ has lost an electron, potentially leading to a higher bond order and greater stability, while Be2- has gained an electron, which may result in a lower bond order and less stability. Understanding these factors helps predict whether these ions can exist in the gas phase.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:13
Intepreting the Band of Stability