Symmetry and MO Theory

Readings and Activities

Download the free book by Ballhausen and Gray entitled Molecular Orbital Theory: an introductory lecture note and reprint volume. Refresh your understanding of MO theory for diatomic molecules in section 2-1 of that book, and read about the MO theory of the triatomic molecules CO₂ and H₂O in sections 6-1 and 6-2.

Here is a nice web-based discussion with graphics of the molecular orbitals for water.

Here are the slides used in lecture, lecture notes and a lecture video you can watch online to reinforce your understanding of the material.

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Further resources: (i) supplemental exercises that will provide practice with concepts of MO theory.