Question

9.6. Under appropriate conditions, I2 can be oxidized to l2*, which is bright blue. The corresponding anion, I2, is not known. Use the molecular orbital diagram in Figure P9.6 to explain why I2 is ore stable than I2 ?? 5p 5s 5s FIGURE P9.6

Answer 1

Solution:- Outer most electron configuration of I is 5s² 5p⁵. For I₂, we have two I atoms and each one has 2 electrons in 5s and 5 electrons in 5p.

In I₂⁺, one of the I atom has 4 electrons in 5p as one of the electron is lost to make the cation, where as in I₂^-, one of the I atom has 6 electrons in 5p as the anion is formed by gaining one electron.

MO diagram for I₂⁺ is.....

5 了- ブー、

Bond order for I₂⁺ = 1/2[8 - 5] = 1.5

MO diagram for I₂^- is....

5 5 5

Bond order for I₂^- = 1/2[8 - 7] = 0.5

From the avove calculations, bond order of I₂⁺ is greater than I₂^-, so I₂⁺ is more stable.