The correct bond order in the following species is:
O2+ < O2 < O2−
O2− < O2 < O2+
O2 < O2+ < O2−
O2− > O2 > O2+
Correct answer: O2− < O2 < O2+
Solution
Bond order is calculated using the molecular orbital theory. O2+ has a bond order of 2.5, O2 has a bond order of 2, and O2− has a bond order of 1.5. Thus, the correct order is O2− < O2 < O2+.