Which of the following ions has a ground state which is predicted to be a diradical by simple molecular orbital theory?
A diradical molecule has two unpaired electrons in the same energy level (degenerate). In order to do this problem, we have to draw Frost circles.
How to draw a Frost circle?
1. Draw a circle
2. Inscribe molecule into the circle with vertex down.
3. Put a horizontal line through the middle of the circle (bonding orbitals in the bottom half of the circle and anti bonding orbitals on the top, nonbonding on the line).
4. Put a dash every time the shape touches the circle, signifying a molecular orbital
5. Distribute pi electrons from bottom up (2 electrons per orbital).