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Ch. 8 - Delocalized Electrons: Their Effect on Stability, pKa, and the Products of a Reaction • Aromaticity and Electronic Effects: An Introduction to the Reactions of Benzene
Bruice - Organic Chemistry 8th Edition
Bruice8th EditionOrganic ChemistryISBN: 9780135213711Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 8, Problema 86a

Answer the following questions for the molecular orbitals (MOs) of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene:
a. How many MOs does the compound have?

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1
Count the number of conjugated π-electrons in the molecule. In 1,3,5,7-octatetraene, there are four double bonds, each contributing two π-electrons, for a total of 8 π-electrons.
Determine the number of atomic p orbitals involved in the conjugated π-system. Each carbon atom in the conjugated system contributes one p orbital. Since there are 8 carbons in the conjugated system, there are 8 p orbitals.
Recall that the number of molecular orbitals (MOs) formed in a conjugated π-system is equal to the number of atomic p orbitals involved. Therefore, 8 MOs will be formed.
Understand that these 8 MOs will include bonding, non-bonding, and anti-bonding orbitals, arranged in increasing energy levels based on the overlap of the p orbitals.
Conclude that the compound 1,3,5,7-octatetraene has 8 molecular orbitals (MOs) in its conjugated π-system.

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Molecular Orbitals (MOs)

Molecular orbitals are formed by the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) when atoms bond together. In a molecule, these orbitals can be occupied by electrons and are classified as bonding, antibonding, or non-bonding. The number of MOs corresponds to the number of atomic orbitals that combine, which is crucial for understanding the electronic structure of the molecule.
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Review of Molecular Orbitals

Conjugation

Conjugation refers to the overlap of p-orbitals across adjacent double bonds, allowing for delocalization of electrons. In 1,3,5,7-octatetraene, the alternating double bonds create a system of conjugated MOs, which lowers the energy of the system and increases stability. This concept is essential for determining the number and type of MOs in conjugated systems.
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Conjugated states

Counting Molecular Orbitals

The total number of molecular orbitals in a molecule is equal to the number of atomic orbitals that combine to form them. For 1,3,5,7-octatetraene, which has eight carbon atoms, each contributing one p-orbital, the total number of MOs is equal to the number of contributing atomic orbitals. This principle is fundamental for calculating the MOs in any given molecule.
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Review of Molecular Orbitals