Based on Molecular Orbital Theory, which of the following molecular orbitals serves as the Highest O — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

In the $N_2$ molecule (a $\le 14 e^-$ system), pronounced $s-p$ mixing causes the energy of the $\sigma 2p_z$ orbital to be pushed higher than that of the degenerate $\pi 2p_x$ and $\pi 2p_y$ orbitals. Filling the 14 electrons places the final two electrons in the $\sigma 2p_z$ orbital, making it the HOMO.