Consider the following molecular orbitals that are formed by sidewise (or lateral) overlap of adjacent 2 p atomic orbitals of carbons in a conjugated aliphatic chain.


The correct order of energies of the molecular orbitals is

• A

  $\mathrm{I} \lt \mathrm{IV}=\mathrm{II} \lt \mathrm{III}$
• B

  $\mathrm{III} \lt \mathrm{IV} \lt \mathrm{II} \lt \mathrm{I}$
• Correct answer
  C

  $\mathrm{I} \lt \mathrm{II} \lt \mathrm{IV} \lt \mathrm{III}$
• D

  $\mathrm{IV}=\mathrm{II}=\mathrm{III} \lt \mathrm{I}$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.