Bonding in which of the following diatomic molecules becomes stronger by removal of an electron?

(A) NO (B) (C) (D) (E)

Question

Bonding in which of the following diatomic molecules becomes stronger by removal of an electron?

(A) NO (B)  (C)  (D)  (E)

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Removing an electron strengthens bonding if the electron is removed from an antibonding MO (increases bond order).

Step 1 — Identify HOMO type for each:

| Molecule | HOMO | Type | Remove e⁻ → BO change |
|----------|------|------|------------------------|
| NO | π | Antibonding | BO: 2.5 → 3 (increases) ✓ |
|  | σ bonding | Bonding | BO: 3 → 2.5 (decreases) ✗ |
|  | π | Antibonding | BO: 2 → 2.5 (increases) ✓ |
|  | π bonding | Bonding | BO: 2 → 1.5 (decreases) ✗ |
|  | π bonding | Bonding | B

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