Question

Use molecular orbital theory to predict the bond order for the Li₂⁻ ion.

a.3/2
b.1/2
c.1
d.2
e.-1/2

Answer 1

The bond order of the Li₂⁻ ion is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bond order for the Li₂⁻ ion can be predicted using molecular orbital theory. Each lithium atom has one valence electron. When these valence electrons combine to form molecular orbitals, the bonding molecular orbitals will be filled first. In the case of the Li₂⁻ ion, there are two valence electrons in bonding orbitals and zero electrons in antibonding orbitals. Therefore, the bond order can be calculated as (number of bonding electrons - number of antibonding electrons) divided by 2. For Li₂⁻, the bond order is (2 - 0) / 2 = 1.