Question: Many compounds of the transition-metal elements contain direct bonds between metal atoms. We will assume that the z-axis is defined as the metal-metal bond axis.
(a) Which of the 3d orbitals (Figure) can be used to make a σ bond between metal atoms?
(b) Sketch the bonding and σ3d* antibonding MOs.
(c) With reference to the "Closer Look" box on the phases of orbitals, explain why a node is generated in the σ3d* MO.
(d) Sketch the energy-level diagram for the Sc2 molecule, assuming that only the 3d orbital from part (a) is important.
(e) What is the bond order in Sc2?
