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ExamsJEE MainChemistry

Bond order is often used as a measure of the stability of a molecule. Although H₂, Li₂ and B₂ each have the same bond order, they do not possess equal stability. Which of the following gives their correct order of stability?

  1. H₂ > B₂ > Li₂
  2. Li₂ > H₂ > B₂
  3. Li₂ > B₂ > H₂
  4. B₂ > H₂ > Li₂

Correct answer: H₂ > B₂ > Li₂

Solution

The stability of a molecule is influenced not only by bond order but also by factors such as bond length and the presence of antibonding orbitals. H₂ is the most stable due to its strong single bond and lack of antibonding electrons, while B₂ has a lower stability than H₂ because it has one antibonding electron, and Li₂ is the least stable due to its longer bond length and presence of two antibonding electrons.

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