Question

In which of the following ionization processes, the bond order has increased and the magnetic behaviour has changed?

• A. $N_2\to N_2^{+}$
• B. $C_2\to C_2^{+}$
• C. $NO\to N{O}^{+}$
• D. $O_2\to O_2^{+}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$NO\to N{O}^{+}$

A) Going from $N_2$ to $N_2^{+}$, bond order decreases from 3 to 2.5.

B) Going from $C_2$ to $C_2^{+}$, bond order decreases from 2 to 1.5.

C) Going from $NO$ to $N{O}^{+}$, bond order increases from 2.5 to 3, and the magnetic behavior changes from paramagnetic to diamagnetic.

D) Going from $O_2$ to $O_2^{+}$, bond order increases from 2 to 2.5, but magnetic behavior does not change. Both of these species are paramagnetic.