Chemistry of the Main Group Elements

Goals: Interpreting a Structure

8.5.1 Borane/Diborane

• Describe the structure of diborane; that is, describe the problems associated with assuming all lines are traditional two-center, two-electron bonds, describe a simple, Lewis-like model that explains the bonding in diborane
• Describe how the MO digram allows for the nontraditional bonding in diborane
• Based on an MO diagram, draw cartoons of the orbitals that are used to create bonding and anti bonding orbitals in diborane