To understand the molecular energy level diagrams of NO+, NO, and NO–, we need to consider their electronic configurations and molecular orbital theory.
Molecular Energy Level Diagrams
The molecular orbital (MO) diagram for NO can be constructed by combining the atomic orbitals of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O). The atomic orbitals of N and O combine to form bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals. The order of these orbitals is as follows:
- σ2s
- σ2s*
- σ2p
- π2p (degenerate)
- π2p* (degenerate)
- σ2p*
For NO+, one electron is removed from the π2p* orbital, while for NO–, an electron is added to the π2p* orbital.
Bond Order Calculation
The bond order (BO) is calculated using the formula:
BO = (Number of bonding electrons – Number of antibonding electrons) / 2
- NO+: BO = (10 – 4) / 2 = 3
- NO: BO = (10 – 5) / 2 = 2.5
- NO–: BO = (10 – 6) / 2 = 2
Magnetism
Magnetism is determined by the presence of unpaired electrons:
- NO+: No unpaired electrons → Diamagnetic
- NO: One unpaired electron → Paramagnetic
- NO–: No unpaired electrons → Diamagnetic
In summary, NO+ has a bond order of 3 and is diamagnetic, NO has a bond order of 2.5 and is paramagnetic, and NO– has a bond order of 2 and is diamagnetic.