Valence-Bond Structures for some Diatomic and related Molecules

Abstract

In this chapter, we shall generate valence-bond structures for some diatomic molecules and ions that involve atoms of first-row and second-row elements. To do this, initially we shall use their molecular orbital configurations together with the prototype valence-bond structures of Table 3-2. Green and Linnett¹ adopted this approach to the construction of valence-bond structures, and they have described many of the valence-bond structures that we shall consider here. We shall restrict our attention to the molecular orbitals that are constructed from the valence-shell 2s and 2p or 3s and 3p atomic orbitals, and for simplicity in the molecular orbital notation, neglect any hybridization that may occur between s and pσ (≡ pz) atomic orbitals.