Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Molecular Orbital Theory is a method in chemistry for describing the electronic structure of molecules using quantum mechanics. It explains how atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals, which are then occupied by electrons.
A region in space around an atom's nucleus where an electron is likely to be found.
Bonding Molecular Orbital: A lower energy molecular orbital formed from the constructive interference of atomic orbitals, leading to increased electron density between nuclei and thus bond formation.
Antibonding Molecular Orbital: A higher energy molecular orbital resulting from the destructive interference of atomic orbitals, which leads to decreased electron density between nuclei and can weaken or prevent bond formation