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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: poao on November 14, 2009, 04:12:23 AM

Title: Paramagentic or diamagnetic atoms
Post by: poao on November 14, 2009, 04:12:23 AM

Hi,

I have the following question:

Determine whether the following molecules are paramagnetic or diamagnetic:
1. B₂
2. C₂

I would appreciate a little explanation.

Thanks in advance,
Poao

Title: Re: Paramagentic or diamagnetic atoms
Post by: sjb on November 14, 2009, 04:52:21 AM

What determines whether a molecule (in this case) is para- or diamagnetic?

Title: Re: Paramagentic or diamagnetic atoms
Post by: poao on November 14, 2009, 05:23:27 AM

The electrons.

• All electrons are paired -> diamagnetic
• There is a non-paired electron(s) -> paramagnetic

My problem is that I cannot determine what is the molecule structure.
For example the C₂ can have several options for the C-C bond:

• Single - in this case there will be one electron not being paired
• Double - all electrons are paired
• Triple - one electron from each atom will not be paired

Regards,
Poao

Title: Re: Paramagentic or diamagnetic atoms
Post by: sjb on November 14, 2009, 05:49:00 AM

Can you draw an MO diagram for each of your molecules?