Which of the following represents an out-of-phase overlap of two atomic orbitals?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of orbital overlap: In-phase overlap occurs when the wave functions of two atomic orbitals combine constructively, leading to bonding interactions. Out-of-phase overlap occurs when the wave functions combine destructively, leading to antibonding interactions.
2. Identify the visual representation of out-of-phase overlap: Look for images where the lobes of the orbitals have opposite phases, typically indicated by different shading or color.
3. Analyze the images provided: Examine each image to determine if the lobes of the orbitals are overlapping in a manner that suggests opposite phases.
4. Focus on the third image: This image shows two lobes with different shading overlapping, which is indicative of out-of-phase overlap.
5. Conclude that the third image represents an out-of-phase overlap: The different shading of the lobes in the third image suggests destructive interference, characteristic of antibonding interactions.