Question

Use valence bond theory to explain the bonding in\({{\rm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}\). Sketch the overlap of the atomic orbitals involved in the bonds in \({{\rm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}\).

Short answer

The molecules of oxygen contains a double bond consisting of sigma and pi bond.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Concept

The sigma bond is formed when two half-filled atomic orbitals involved in the formation of a molecular orbital overlap along the internuclear axis.

The bond formed is a pi-bond when half-filled p-orbitals involved in bond formation overlap sideways.

Sketch the overlap of the atomic orbitals involved in the bonds

The bonding in\({{\rm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}\)can be explained in following ways:

A sigma bond and a pi-bond make up the double bond in the oxygen molecule. Two half-filled p-orbitals from each atom overlap along their internuclear axis when two oxygen atoms approach each other, forming a sigma bond. As shown in the diagram, a pi-bond is formed when one atom's second half-filled p-orbital overlaps a similar p-orbital of the other atom sideways.

Therefore, the sigma and pi bonds in oxygen molecules form a double bond.