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Molecular orbital theory is more recent than Valence bond theory. Both theories have their adherents and recently VB theory has had a renaissance. They both have their strengths. Chemists use both and mix/match. Some very familiar concepts used every day by chemists spring originally from VB theory, electronegativity, hybridisation of atomic orbitals.

MO theory has its advocates, an early triumph was the prediction of the paramagnetism of O2 whereas valence bond theory predicted O2 to be diamagnetic. One criticism of VB theory is that it starts from a description of bonds as localised pairs of electrons, whereas in MO all bonds are potentially delocalised.

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Why molecular orbital theory superior to valence bond theory and VESPR theory?

Superior is a difficult term. The latest versions valence bond theory and molecular orbital theories give similar answers. The simple old versions work from different premises- valence bond assumes localised pair bonds molecular orbital theory is better ate predicting spectroscopic properties. VSEPR is different again and focuses on the geometry around a central atom- and as such is better than both the simple versions of the other theories.


What are the limitations of valence bond theory?

Valence bond theory has limitations as it provides a limited view of molecular bonding, especially when applied to complex molecules. It does not easily explain the molecular geometry and properties of molecules accurately as it assumes fixed bond angles and shapes. Additionally, it does not account for molecular orbitals and delocalized bonding in a comprehensive manner.


What two characteristics of liquid oxygen contradict predictions from the valence bond theory but are explained by the molecular orbital theory?

Liquid oxygen exhibits paramagnetism and a relatively low boiling point, characteristics that contradict predictions from the valence bond theory. Valence bond theory suggests that all electrons in O2 should be paired, leading to diamagnetism; however, molecular orbital theory accounts for the presence of unpaired electrons in the antibonding π* orbitals, resulting in paramagnetism. Additionally, the molecular orbital theory explains the lower boiling point of liquid oxygen compared to other diatomic molecules by considering the weaker intermolecular forces due to its electronic configuration.


What is another name for the molecular orbital theory of bonding in metals?

Another name for the molecular orbital theory of bonding in metals is the band theory. Band theory describes how atomic orbitals combine to form energy bands, which explains the electrical conductivity and other properties of metals. It highlights the overlap of atomic orbitals in a solid, leading to the formation of conduction and valence bands.


Which process can be explained by the kinetic-molecular theory?

The process of gas molecules in a container moving in straight lines, colliding with each other and the walls of the container can be explained by the kinetic-molecular theory. This theory describes how the behavior of gas molecules is influenced by their motion and energy.

Related Questions

Why molecular orbital theory superior to valence bond theory and VESPR theory?

Superior is a difficult term. The latest versions valence bond theory and molecular orbital theories give similar answers. The simple old versions work from different premises- valence bond assumes localised pair bonds molecular orbital theory is better ate predicting spectroscopic properties. VSEPR is different again and focuses on the geometry around a central atom- and as such is better than both the simple versions of the other theories.


What are the limitations of valence bond theory?

Valence bond theory has limitations as it provides a limited view of molecular bonding, especially when applied to complex molecules. It does not easily explain the molecular geometry and properties of molecules accurately as it assumes fixed bond angles and shapes. Additionally, it does not account for molecular orbitals and delocalized bonding in a comprehensive manner.


What theory provides information concerning both molecular shape and molecular bonding?

The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory provides information about both molecular shape and molecular bonding. It helps predict the geometric shapes of molecules based on the arrangement of electron pairs around the central atom and takes into account the repulsion between electron pairs to determine the overall molecular shape.


What are the key differences between valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory in explaining chemical bonding?

Valence bond theory focuses on the overlap of atomic orbitals to form bonds between atoms, emphasizing the localized nature of bonding. Molecular orbital theory considers the entire molecule as a whole, with electrons delocalized over the entire molecule, leading to the formation of molecular orbitals.


Is there a better theory for the molecular spectroscopy?

nope!


What year was the Valence Bond Theory invented?

Gilbert Lewis followed by Linus Pauling who is credited with the quantum mechanical approach, called valence bond theory (distinguishing it from the more recent molecular orbital theory), which is based on Lewis's electron pair bonding theory now taught as Lewis "dot" diagrams.


What is the abbreviation for kinetic molecular theory?

Kinetic Molecular Theory's abbreviation is KMT or sometimes KMTG when it is the abbreviation for Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gas


What is another name for the molecular orbital theory of bonding in metals?

Another name for the molecular orbital theory of bonding in metals is the band theory. Band theory describes how atomic orbitals combine to form energy bands, which explains the electrical conductivity and other properties of metals. It highlights the overlap of atomic orbitals in a solid, leading to the formation of conduction and valence bands.


A theory that predicts some molecular shapes based on the idea that pairs of valence electrons surrounding an atom repel each other?

VSEPR theory predicts molecular shapes by considering the electron pairs in the outer shell of an atom and their repulsions. It suggests that electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, leading to specific molecular geometries. The theory is helpful in understanding the shapes of molecules and predicting their properties.


When was The Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution created?

The Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution was created in 1983.


What is the molecular geometry of CHCl3 according to VSEPR theory?

The molecular geometry of CHCl3, according to VSEPR theory, is tetrahedral.


What is the molecular geometry of SO2 according to the VSEPR theory?

The molecular geometry of SO2 according to the VSEPR theory is bent.