Sigma antibonding molecular orbital — Free Chemistry Illustration

Chemistry

Sigma antibonding molecular orbital

A sigma antibonding molecular orbital schematic formed by destructive overlap of two atomic orbitals, drawn along the internuclear axis with two nuclei centered on adjacent atoms. Show two separated, elongated lobe-like electron density regions concentrated on the outer sides of the nuclei, with no electron density in the internuclear region. A clear central nodal plane or empty nodal gap divides the orbital between the nuclei. The two sides are symmetric about the bond axis, and opposite phase is indicated with contrasting colors or shading on facing lobes.

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