Question

Which one of the following has the highest bond order?

1. N₂
2. N₂⁺
3. N₂^–

Answer 1

1. N₂
   N₂ = 14
   σ_1s² σ_1s^*2 σ_2s² σ_2s^*2 π_2py² π_2pz² π_2px²
   Bond order = `6/2` = 3
2. N₂⁺
   σ_1s² σ_1s^*2 σ_2s² σ_2s^*2 π_2py² π_2pz² π_2px¹
   Bond order = `5/2` = 2.5
3. N₂^–
   σ_1s² σ_1s^*2 σ_2s² σ_2s^*2 π_2py² π_2pz² π_2px^*1
   Bond order = `5/2` = 2.5

The highest bond order is N₂.