Examine the types of overlaps shown in the following figure and select all the correct statements:

A. In figure (I), the net overlap is zero.
B. In figure (II), no overlap occurs due to different symmetry.
C. In figure (I), the bond formation does not occur.
D. In figure (II), bond formation occurs.
 
1. A and B only 2. A, B and C
3. B and D only 4. A and C only
Hint: Atomic orbitals must overlap in the same phase and symmetry.
 
 
In the figure (I), are of ++ overlap is equal to + - overlap, so net overlap is zero, while in figure (II), there is no overlap due to different symmetry.

Figure (I) Analysis:

  • It shows two px orbitals along the z-axis.
  • Since px​ orbitals have lobes extending along the x-axis, their overlap along the z-axis is negligible.
  • The positive and negative lobes cancel out, leading to zero net overlap.

Figure (II) Analysis:

  • It shows a px​ orbital and a pyp_ypy​ orbital.
  • px​ lies along the x-axis, while py lies along the y-axis.
  • Since these orbitals are perpendicular to each other, they do not have effective overlap.
  • Due to different symmetries, bond formation does not occur.

Evaluating the Given Statements:

  • Statement A (True):
    In Figure (I), the net overlap is zero because the overlapping orbitals are oriented in such a way that they cancel each other out.

  • Statement B (True):
    In Figure (II), no overlap occurs due to different symmetry (one orbital along the x-axis, another along the y-axis).

  • Statement C (True):
    Since there is no net overlap in Figure (I), bond formation does not occur.

  • Statement D (False):
    Bond formation does not occur in Figure (II) due to orthogonal orientation.