Molecular Orbital Calculator

Explore molecular orbital theory for homonuclear diatomic molecules. Calculate bond order and predict magnetic properties.

O2

MO Energy Diagram

Ο€*2p
↑
↑
2 e-
Ο€2p
↑↓
↑↓
4 e-
Οƒ2p
↑↓
2 e-
Οƒ*2s
↑↓
2 e-
Οƒ2s
↑↓
2 e-
Οƒ*1s
↑↓
2 e-
Οƒ1s
↑↓
2 e-
Bonding e-

10

Antibonding e-

6

Bond Order

2

Unpaired e-

2

Stability

Stable

Magnetism

Paramagnetic

Bond Order = (Bonding - Antibonding) / 2 = (10 - 6) / 2 = 2

Molecular Orbital Theory

  • Atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals (LCAO)
  • Bond Order = (bonding electrons - antibonding electrons) / 2
  • Bond Order > 0 means the molecule is stable
  • Unpaired electrons make molecules paramagnetic