Diatomics with Multiple Bonds

A discussion of the electronic structure of “simple” diatomic molecules—those composed of the atoms H through F—has been put off for long enough by saying that their structure is not typical. This chapter considers the possible molecules of the type X₂, where X is one of Be, B, C, N and O, and a slight diversion into the structure of the CO molecule. Some comparisons are made with the considerations of Chapter 7, where multiple bonds in organic compounds were discussed and Chapter 8, where some of the implications of molecular symmetry were introduced. There is an important lesson to be learned from this excursion outside the domain of “typical” polyatomic molecules.