JEE Main 2024 — Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure Question with Solution

In Molecular Orbital Theory, molecular orbitals are formed by the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO). The wave functions of atomic orbitals ${\psi }_A$ and ${\psi }_B$ can combine in two ways:

1. Constructive Interference: This leads to the formation of a bonding molecular orbital ($\sigma$):

$\sigma ={\psi }_A+{\psi }_B$

1. Destructive Interference: This leads to the formation of an antibonding molecular orbital (${\sigma }^{\ast }$):

${\sigma }^{\ast }={\psi }_A-{\psi }_B$

Conclusion

The antibonding molecular orbital ${\sigma }^{\ast }$ is represented by:

${\sigma }^{\ast }={\psi }_A-{\psi }_B$

Therefore, the correct answer is:

Option B: ${\psi }_{\mathrm{A}}-{\psi }_{\mathrm{B}}$