Molecular Orbital Theory and Hybridization

Flashcards covering key concepts related to hybridization and molecular orbital theory.

Sigma Bond

A covalent bond formed by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals, which allows for free rotation around the bond axis.

Pi Bond

A covalent bond formed by the side-to-side overlap of atomic orbitals, typically found in double and triple bonds.

Hybridization

The mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, which are used to make covalent bonds.

Trigonal Bipyramidal

A molecular geometry with five electron density regions around a central atom, involving sp3d hybridization.

Octahedral

A molecular geometry with six electron density regions around a central atom, involving sp3d2 hybridization.

Paramagnetism

The property of a substance to be attracted to a magnetic field due to the presence of unpaired electrons.

Diamagnetism

The property of a substance to be weakly repelled by a magnetic field, due to all electrons being paired.

Molecular Orbital Theory

A theory that describes the electronic structure of molecules in terms of molecular orbitals that are formed from the linear combination of atomic orbitals.

Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules

Molecules composed of two identical atoms that can combine atomic orbitals to form bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals.

Electron Density Regions

Regions in a molecule where electron pairs are localized, important for determining molecular geometry.