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Question

What is a Sigma Molecular Orbital?


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Solution

  1. Sigma Molecular orbital (σ) involves shared electron density directly in between the bonded atoms, along the axis.
  2. It is formed by the head-to-head overlapping of atomic orbitals along the inter-nuclear axis.
  3. It is formed independently. No involvement of the pi bond takes place.
  4. They are comparatively stronger than a pi bond.
  5. Sigma Molecular orbital (σ) is formed by adding the two atomic orbitals together
    σ=(1sa+1sb)where 1sarepresents the s atomic orbital of a molecule A and 1sbrepresents the s atomic orbital of a molecule B.
  6. Sigma- star Molecular orbital (σ*) is formed by subtracting the two atomic orbitals.
    σ*=(1sa-1sb)where 1sarepresents the s atomic orbital of a molecule A and 1sbrepresents the s atomic orbital of a molecule B
  7. This addition and subtraction of atomic orbitals is called Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO)
  8. For example, In case of H2 molecule

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