 It is formed by the combination of two hydrogen atoms. Each hydrogen atom has one electron in 1s orbital, so, the electronic…){kind=link}
Hydrogen molecule (H2)
It is formed by the combination of two hydrogen atoms. Each hydrogen atom has one electron in 1s orbital, so, the electronic configuration of hydrogen molecule is
This indicates that two hydrogen atoms are bonded by a single covalent bond. Bond dissociation energy of hydrogen has been found = 438 kJ/mole. Bond length = 74 pm
No unpaired electron is present therefore, it is diamagnetic.
Helium molecule (He2)
Each helium atom contains 2 electrons, thus in He2 molecule there would be 4 electrons.
The electrons will be accommodated in σ1s and σ*1s molecular orbitals.
He2 molecule is therefore unstable and does not exist.
Lithium molecule (Li2)
Nature = Diamagnetic, since molecular orbitals are completely filled.
Oxygen molecule (O2)
The orbital configuration of oxygen is
This means that sixteen electrons are to be filled in the molecular orbital of oxygen molecule (O2.
The molecular orbital configuration
It may also be written as:
Nature: Paramagnetic due to the presence of two unpaired electrons.