Question

The paramagnetism of $O^{+}_{2}$ is due to the presence of an odd electron in the MO

• A. $s^*2s$
• B. $\pi2p_y$
• C. $\pi^*2p_x$
• D. $s^*2p_x$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$\pi^*2p_x$

Answer 2

The electronic configuration of oxygen molecule ion is as
$O^{+}_{2} : KKs 2s^2, s^*2s^2, s2p^{2}_{z}, \pi 2p^2_x \approx\pi 2p^2_y,\pi^*2p^1_x$
Due to the presence of an odd electron in the$\pi^* 2p_x$ molecular orbital, $O^+_2$ is paramagnetic.