Question

In the formation of $N_2^{+}$ from $N_2$, the electron is lost from:

• A. a$\sigma$-orbital
• B. a$\pi$-orbital
• C. a${\sigma }^{\ast }$-orbital
• D. a${\pi }^{\ast }$-orbital

Answer 1

The correct option is A a$\sigma$-orbital

In the formation of $N_2^{+}$ from $N_2$, the electron is lost from a $\sigma$-orbital.

M.O configuration of $N_2$ is:

$\sigma 1s^2{\sigma }^{\ast }1s^2,\sigma 2s^2{\sigma }^{\ast }2s^2,\pi 2p_y^2\pi 2p_z^2,\sigma {2p}^2$

M.O configuration of $N_2^{+}$ is:
$\sigma 1s^2{\sigma }^{\ast }1s^2,\sigma 2s^2{\sigma }^{\ast }2s^2,\pi 2p_y^2,\pi 2p_z^2,\sigma 2p_x^1$

Hence, 2 electrons are removed from $\sigma$- orbital.

Therefore, option $A$ is correct.