Question

By constructing a molecular orbital picture for each of the following molecules, determine whether it is paramagnetic or diamagnetic.  2B ;  2O ;  2 2N ; CO;  2 2C

Answer 1

(i) $B_2^+$

In $B_2^+$ there is one unpared electron, this molecule is paramagnetic.

(ii) $O_2^-$

In $O_2^-$ there is one unpaired electron on $π_{2py}^*$ , this molecule is paramagnetic

(iii) $N_2^{2-}$

In $N_2^{2-}$ there is two unpared electrons, this molecule is paramagnetic

(iv) CO

In Co there are no unpaired electrons, this molecule is diamagnetic

(v) $C_2^{2-}$

In $C_2^{2-}$ there are no unpared electrons, this molecule is diamagnetic