CramX Logo

Q
QuestionChemistry

What is the molecular orbital configuration of B^+ 2?​ A. [core electrons] (σ2s)2(σ2s*)1 B. [core electrons] (σ2s)2(σ2s*)2(π2p)1 C. [core electrons] (σ2s)2(σ2s*)2(π2p)2 D. [core electrons] (σ2s)²(σ2s)²(π2p)²(σ2p)0 *
12 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

Step 1:
: Determine the number of electrons in a B+ 2 ion

The atomic number of Boron (B) is 5, which means it has 5 electrons. Since we are considering B+ 2, we have to remove 2 electrons from a neutral Boron atom. So, B+ 2 has 3 electrons.

Step 2:
: Write the core electrons configuration

Boron is in the 3rd period of the periodic table, so its core electrons configuration is [He] 2s² 2p⁰, where [He] represents the Helium noble gas core configuration (1s²).

Step 3:
: Consider the promotion of an electron

To form molecular orbitals, we need to promote one of the 2s² electrons to the 2p orbital. The promotion energy is compensated by the stabilization of the molecule. The promoted configuration is [He] (σ2s)¹ (σ2s*)¹ (2p⁰).

Step 4:
: Calculate the total number of electrons in molecular orbitals

Now, we have to add the remaining electrons from B+ 2 to the promoted configuration. Since B+ 2 has 3 electrons, and the promoted configuration has 2 electrons, the total number of electrons in molecular orbitals is 3 + 2 = 5 electrons.

Step 5:
: Assign the electrons to the molecular orbitals

Final Answer

: Assign the electrons to the molecular orbitals