The TBR book states that an anti-bond is a molecular orbital that results in bond breaking when coupled with a bonding orbital. I don't understand this. Maybe because I don't understand what exactly an anti bonding orbital is. How is it different from a bonding orbital?
Can someone explain anti-bonding orbitals to me please?
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Imagine a bond between A and B. Electron density can exist anywhere, in theory, around the atoms. If the electron density is found between A and B, then it helps pull them together and hence strengthens the bond. If the electron density is found outside of A or B, then it helps pull the atom away from the bond and hence weakens it.
That's a simplistic explanation. Atomic orbitals are much more complicated than that, but it's the same general idea. Unless you get deep into quantum mechanics, you won't really get an answer to your question.
That's a simplistic explanation. Atomic orbitals are much more complicated than that, but it's the same general idea. Unless you get deep into quantum mechanics, you won't really get an answer to your question.
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I wrote what I feel is a pretty good explanation of it in this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1002859
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