Question:
Total number of electrons present in antibonding π* molecular orbitals of
O2, O2+ and O2− is ________.
Correct Answer: 6
Consider the electronic configuration of oxygen species using molecular orbital theory.
O2:
In O2, there are 2 electrons in antibonding π* orbitals.
O2+:
Removal of one electron occurs from π* orbital → 1 electron in π*.
O2−:
One extra electron enters π* orbital → 3 electrons in π*.
Total electrons in π* orbitals:
2 (O2) + 1 (O2+) + 3 (O2−) = 6
Hence, the correct answer is 6.