According to molecular orbital theory, where are electrons most likely to be found in a bonding molecular orbital?

• A. Only around one of the nuclei
• B. In the region between the two nuclei
• C. Outside both nuclei, far from the internuclear axis
• D. Equally distributed in all regions of the molecule

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that molecular orbital theory describes how atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals when atoms bond.
2. Recognize that a bonding molecular orbital is formed by the constructive interference (in-phase combination) of atomic orbitals from two atoms.
3. Recall that in a bonding molecular orbital, electron density is increased between the two nuclei, which helps hold the atoms together by electrostatic attraction.
4. Contrast this with antibonding orbitals, where electron density is found outside the internuclear region, often with a node between nuclei.
5. Conclude that electrons in a bonding molecular orbital are most likely to be found in the region between the two nuclei, where the electron density is highest.