Question

1. (8 pts, Please show all work) An electron is excited from the highest occupied molecular orbital of N₂ to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of N₂.
   1. Specify the orbitals involved in this transition: From ______ To______
   2. Does this excitation make the bond order higher, lower, or have no change?
   3. Does this excitation make the bond length longer, shorter, or have no change?
   4. Does this excitation make the bond stronger, weaker, or no change?

Answer 1

For N2,

Electronic configuration is given below in MO diagram.

Transition takes place from HOMO to LUMO.

So transition takes place from to *

Since electron is transferred to * ,an ati bonding orbital, the molecule is slightly destabilized. Therefore,

Bond order decreases

Bond length increases

Bond weakens.