Question

Show how a d_xz atomic orbital and a p_z atomic orbital combine to form a bonding molecular orbital. Assume the x - axis is the internuclear axis. Is a $\mathit{\sigma }$or a $\mathit{\pi }$molecular orbital formed? Explain.

Short answer

A $\pi$bond is formed after combining the two orbitals.

Step-by-step solution

Combination of the two orbitals

When d_xz atomic orbital and a p_z atomic orbital combine to form a bonding orbital, it forms a $\mathit{\pi }$bond. They have the possibility to combine in-phase and out-of-phase. After combining, the wave functions of both the atomic orbitals will reinforce each other and increase the chances of an electron between the nuclei of the atoms.

Bonding of the orbitals

In the out-of-phase combination, an anti-bonding molecular orbital is formed between them which will lead to development of a nodal plane between the nuclei of the atoms.