Consider the following species : CN+, CN-, NO and CN. Which one of these will have the highest bond order?
- NO
- CN-
- CN+
- CN
Answer
(2) CN-
Solution
Bond order = 12(Nb - Na)
NO (15 electrons) ⇒ bond order = 10-52 = 2.5
CN- (14 electrons) ⇒ bond order = 10-42 = 3
CN+ (12 electrons) ⇒ bond order = 8-42 = 2
CN (13 electrons) ⇒ bond order = 9-42 = 2.5
∴ CN- has the highest bond order (3).
Answer: (2)