Antibonding Molecular Orbitals from 2s and 2p

The total number of anti-bonding molecular orbitals, formed from 2s and 2p atomic orbitals in a diatomic molecule is ________.

Correct Answer: 4

Explanation

In a diatomic molecule, molecular orbitals formed from 2s and 2p atomic orbitals are:

• From 2s → σ_2s and σ*_2s
• From 2p → σ_2p, π_2p (two) and their antibonding counterparts

Antibonding molecular orbitals are:

• σ*_2s
• σ*_2p
• π*_2p (two)

Hence, total antibonding molecular orbitals = 4

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