Q11.34 P

Question

Use MO diagrams and the bond orders you obtain from them to answer: 

(a) Is Be2+ stable? 

(b) Is  Be2+ diamagnetic? 

(c) What is the outer (valence) electron configuration of  Be2+?

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer

Electrons in bonding orbitals stabilize they are between the nuclei. 

  1. Yes, Be2+  is unstable.
  2. No, Be2+  is not diamagnetic.
  3. The outer valence electron configuration of  Be2+is sigma anti-bonding 2s orbital.
1Step 1: Bonding

Bonding may be defined as the force of attraction between two or more atoms to form a compound. The molecule can have the same atom and different atoms.

The bonding can be formed by sharing or completing giving the electron by one atom to another.


When the electron is in pair in the valence shell it is called diamagnetic whereas the valence orbital having a single electron is called a paramagnetic atom.

2Step 2: Stability

The Stability of the molecule depends upon the less energy and stability of the molecule formation. In this molecule  Be2+, The valence shell electron falls in the anti-bonding orbital and generally has high energy means less stability.

3Step 3: Magnetic Character

The magnetic character of the molecule Be2+  is paramagnetic. There is a single electron in the valence shell of an atom.                  

4Step 4: Molecular Orbital


The outermost valence orbital shell of the Be2+ is sigma anti-bonding of 2s orbital. The molecular orbital of the molecule is: