Stability of the species `Li_(2), Li_(2)^(-), Li_(2)^(+)` increases in the order of

Options

A. `Li_2^(-) lt Li_2 lt Li_2^(+)`
B. `Li_2 lt Li_2^(+) lt Li_2^-`
C. `H_2^- , He_2^(2-)`
D. `H_2^(2+), He_2`

Answer

C

Explanation

`Li^(-)` is less stable than `Li^(2+)` because `Li_2^(-)` has more number of electrons in the antibonding molecular orbitals Otherwise greater the bond order greater is the stability . Hence the correct order is `Li_2^(-) lt Li_2^(+) lt Li_2`.