Question

The overlap(s) that give(s) rise to bond formation among the following is/are:

• A. $p_x$ and $d_{x^2-y^2}$
• B. $p_x$ and $d_{z^2}$
• C. $p_y$ and $d_{z^2}$
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A $p_x$ and $d_{x^2-y^2}$

In case of overlapping of orbitals, they must have similar orientation.
$p_x$ and $d_{x^2-y^2}$ have similar orientations along the x-axis and hence, they can overlap and lead to bond formation.

The other pairs, $p_x$ - $d_{z^2}$ and $p_y$ - $d_{z^2}$, have orbitals that are right angled to each other and hence, orbital overlap is not possible.