ABSTRACT
Definition A molecular orbital is formed by the combining of atomic orbitals from two atoms of a (covalent) bond. When two ‘s’ atomic orbitals combine two molecular orbitals are formed; a bonding molecular orbital (s) containing the bonding electrons and an antibonding molecular orbital (s*) which is of higher energy and, under normal conditions, unoccupied.
Hybridization The combining of atomic orbitals within an atom to form new orbitals is termed hybridization. Bonds involving hybrid orbitals are more stable than those involving ‘pure’ atomic orbitals.
