What Is Atomic And Molecular Orbitals
A more detailed model of covalent bonding requires a consideration of valence shell atomic orbitals. For second period elements such as carbon, nitrogen and oxygen, these orbitals have been designated 2 s , 2p x , 2p y & 2p z . The spatial distribution of electrons occupying each of these orbitals is shown in the diagram below. Very nice displays of orbitals may be found at the following sites: J. Gutow, Univ. Wisconsin Oshkosh R. Spinney, Ohio State M. Winter, Sheffield University The valence shell electron configuration of carbon is 2 s 2 , 2p x 1 , 2p y 1 & 2p z 0 . If this were the configuration used in covalent bonding, carbon would only be able to form two bonds. In this case, the valence shell would have six electrons- two shy of an octet. However, the tetrahedral structures of methane and carbon tetrachloride demonstrate that carbon can form four equivalent bonds, leading to the desired octet. In order to explain this covalent bonding, Linus Pauling prop
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