Which of the following statements relating to molecular orbital (mo) theory is incorrect? a. combination of two 2p orbitals may result in either latex: \sigma σ or latex: \pi π mos. b. combination of two atomic orbitals produces one bonding and one antibonding mo. c. a bonding mo is lower in energy than the two atomic orbitals from which it is formed. d. in a stable molecule having an even number of electrons, all electrons must be paired. e. a species with a bond order of zero will not be stable.

d. In a stable molecule having an even number of electrons, all electrons must be paired.

Explanation:

Which of the following statements relating to molecular orbital (MO) theory is incorrect?

a. Combination of two 2p orbitals may result in either σ or π MOs. TRUE. If the atomic orbitals overlap frontally, a σ MO is produced while if the atomic orbitals overlap laterally, a π MO is produced.

b. Combination of two atomic orbitals produces one bonding and one antibonding MO. TRUE. The bonding MO has less energy than the antibonding MO.

c. A bonding MO is lower in energy than the two atomic orbitals from which it is formed. TRUE. The bonding MO is more stable than the individual atomic orbitals.

d. In a stable molecule having an even number of electrons, all electrons must be paired.  FALSE. Let's consider, for example, the molecular orbitals of O₂:

The electrons in the degenerated π* orbitals are not paired.

e. A species with a bond order of zero will not be stable. TRUE. For a species to be stable, the bond order must be higher than zero.