Keyboard shortcuts

Go home G then H
Browse sets G then B
Create set G then C
My library G then L
Show shortcuts ?
Go back Swipe from left edge
Library

Advanced Chemistry — Chemical Bonding Theory

Molecular orbital theory, VSEPR, and bonding models

M
mo_theory_mo 23 terms Feb 16, 2026
Flashcards
Learn
Written
Match
Test
Blitz

Terms 23

1
Valence Bond Theory
Bonds form from overlap of atomic orbitals; localized bonds; hybridization explains geometry
2
Molecular Orbital Theory
Atomic orbitals combine into delocalized MOs across whole molecule; bonding and antibonding
3
LCAO (Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals)
MOs formed by adding or subtracting atomic wave functions; n AOs → n MOs
4
Bonding MO
Lower energy than constituent AOs; electron density between nuclei; stabilizes molecule
5
Antibonding MO (σ* or π*)
Higher energy than AOs; node between nuclei; destabilizes molecule
6
Bond Order
(bonding electrons − antibonding electrons)/2; higher bond order = stronger, shorter bond
7
HOMO
Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital; acts as electron donor in reactions
8
LUMO
Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital; acts as electron acceptor in reactions
9
Hückel Rule
Aromatic: 4n+2 π electrons; antiaromatic: 4n π electrons; benzene (6), cyclobutadiene (4, anti)
10
sp Hybridization
1 s + 1 p → 2 sp hybrids; linear geometry; 180°; e.g. alkynes, CO₂, BeCl₂
11
sp² Hybridization
1 s + 2 p → 3 sp² hybrids; trigonal planar; 120°; e.g. alkenes, BF₃, graphene layer
12
sp³ Hybridization
1 s + 3 p → 4 sp³ hybrids; tetrahedral; 109.5°; e.g. alkanes, water, ammonia
13
VSEPR Theory
Electron pairs repel; geometry minimizes repulsion; lone pairs cause greater repulsion than bonding
14
Molecular Polarity
Net dipole from asymmetric charge distribution; symmetrical geometries can cancel; solubility effects
15
Dipole-Dipole Interactions
Attraction between polar molecules; stronger than dispersion forces; affects boiling point
16
London Dispersion Forces
Instantaneous dipole-induced dipole; present in all molecules; increases with molar mass and surface area
17
Hydrogen Bonding
Strong electrostatic attraction: H bonded to F, O, N interacts with lone pair on F, O, N
18
Band Theory
MO theory applied to solids; conduction band, valence band, band gap; explains conductors/insulators/semiconductors
19
Metallic Bonding
Delocalized 'sea' of electrons in metal; explains conductivity, malleability, luster
20
Ionic Bonding
Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions; lattice energy; determined by Madelung constant
21
Lattice Energy
Energy releasing when gaseous ions combine into crystal lattice; Born-Haber cycle
22
Born-Haber Cycle
Hess's law applied to ionic compound formation; calculates lattice energy from measurable quantities
23
HOMO-LUMO Gap
Energy difference determining reactivity, color absorption, and chemical stability