Bonds between Adjacent Atoms; Localized Bonding, Molecular Orbital Theory

Bonds between atoms result from the sharing of electrons. The nature of this bonding can be described in terms of either valence bond (VB) theory or molecular orbital (MO) theory, or, when convenient, by elements of both theories. If two atoms are to bond, their atomic orbitals must be of similar energy and must overlap in order to combine to form molecular orbitals. In this chapter, 51 terms and concepts are presented describing the rules and procedures for combining atomic orbitals (Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals, LCAO) on adjacent atoms to generate molecular orbitals. This information is presented mathematically and in molecular energy diagrams (MOED's).