In which of the following ionization processes does the bond order definitively increase while the m — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

According to MOT, $NO$ has 15 electrons with configuration ending in $\pi^* 2p_x^1$ (Bond Order = 2.5, Paramagnetic). Upon ionizing to $NO^+$, it loses this antibonding electron, giving a configuration with 14 electrons (all paired, Diamagnetic) and a Bond Order of $\frac{10 - 4}{2} = 3.0$.