Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1145 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Molecular Orbital Theory's Domain
Captions available
The idea
Molecular orbital theory correctly predicts magnetic behavior and fractional bond order that valence bond theory misses, at the cost of a more demanding diagram.
In practice
Molecular orbital theory correctly predicts O2's paramagnetism where valence bond theory's localized picture gives no such signal.
Where people slip
Neither model is the better one; valence bond theory stays the tool for shape in large molecules, this one for magnetism.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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