What is the number of unpaired electrons in the highest occupied molecular orbital of the following species: , , , ?

Question

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Identify HOMO and unpaired electrons:

(14e⁻): HOMO =  (fully filled) → 0 unpaired

(13e⁻): HOMO =  with 1 electron → 1 unpaired

(16e⁻): HOMO =  with 2 electrons (one in each degenerate π) → 2 unpaired (Hund's rule)

(15e⁻): HOMO =  with 1 electron → 1 unpaired

Step 2 — Summary: 0, 1, 2, 1

Answer: Option (1) — 0, 1, 2, 1

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