Nonbonding Orbital
What is Nonbonding Orbital?
A nonbonding orbital (or nonbonding molecular orbital) is a molecular orbital that has the same energy as the atomic orbital(s) from which it is derived and does not significantly contribute to bonding or antibonding character between atoms. Electrons in nonbonding orbitals (lone pairs) do not affect the bond order of the molecule but influence molecular geometry, polarity, and chemical reactivity. They are important in the MO treatment of molecules with lone pairs such as water and ammonia.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A nonbonding orbital (or nonbonding molecular orbital) is a molecular orbital that has the same energy as the atomic orbital(s) from which it is derived and does not significantly contribute to bonding or antibonding character between atoms. Electrons in nonbonding orbitals (lone pairs) do not affect the bond order of the molecule but influence molecular geometry, polarity, and chemical reactivity. They are important in the MO treatment of molecules with lone pairs such as water and ammonia.