Bond Order
| Formula / Notation | Bond order = (N_bonding − N_antibonding) / 2 |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Multiplicity (bond), MO bond order, bond multiplicity |
What is Bond Order?
Bond order is the number of shared electron pairs between two bonded atoms, or more precisely, half the difference between the number of bonding and antibonding electrons in molecular orbital theory. A bond order of 1 indicates a single bond, 2 a double bond, and 3 a triple bond. Higher bond order correlates with shorter bond length and greater bond energy.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Multiplicity (bond), MO bond order, bond multiplicity
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Bond order is the number of shared electron pairs between two bonded atoms, or more precisely, half the difference between the number of bonding and antibonding electrons in molecular orbital theory. A bond order of 1 indicates a single bond, 2 a double bond, and 3 a triple bond. Higher bond order correlates with shorter bond length and greater bond energy.
Bond order is used to predict molecular stability, magnetic properties (paramagnetic if unpaired electrons in MOs), spectroscopic behaviour, and reactivity. It rationalises why N₂ (bond order 3) is very unreactive and why O₂ (bond order 2) is paramagnetic.
Molecules with high bond order (e.g., triple bonds) in strained rings or reactive intermediates can be energetic. Understanding bond order helps predict explosive decomposition pathways and the stability of reactive species in hazardous reactions.
The formula or notation for Bond Order is: Bond order = (N_bonding − N_antibonding) / 2