Molecular Orbital Theory – Know the Principles, Bonding & Anti Bonding
Robert S. Mullikan primarily developed the molecular orbital (MO) theory. The MO theory incorporates the wave-like properties of electrons in describing chemical bonding behavior. In MO theory, the bonding between atoms is expressed as a combination of their atomic orbitals. The Valence Bond Theory and Lewis Structures adequately explain simple models, but the MO Theory gives answers to additional complex questions. The electrons are delocalized in the MO theory.
Electrons are regarded delocalized when they are not allocated to a particular atom or bond (like Lewis Structures). The electrons are scattered in orbitals across the molecule. The MO theory helps in predicting the distribution of electrons in a molecule, which in turn can help predict molecular characteristics such as shape, magnetism, and Bond order.
According to Molecular Orbital Theory, the atomic orbitals having comparable energies and proper symmetry combine to form the molecular orbitals. The number of molecular orbitals formed is equal to the number of atomic orbitals involved.
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