why is o2 paramagnetic in nature
EXPERT ANSWER. The electronic configuration O-atom is; 1s 2 2s 2 2p 4 and the O 2 molecule has total 16 electrons. Now, according to MO theory, all the 16 electrons will be counted during formation of MO-diagram and so the electronic configuration of O 2 molecule will be:ÏÏ.[Ï(1s)] 2 [Ï*(1s)] 2 [Ï(2s)] 2 [Ï*(2s)] 2 [Ï(2Pz)] 2 [Ï(2Px)] 2 [Ï(2Py)] 2 [Ï*(2Px)] 1 [Ï*(2Py)] 1.o, according to Hund's rule the last two electrons are filled singly. Due to this the ,O 2 molecule contains unpaired electrons, which characterizes its paramagnetic character. Posted by Shubhangini Kumari (MeritNation Expert) on 4/3/13.