Q8 / 90 · KVPY 2019 (SB/SX) · Chemistry

The diamagnetic species among the following is 

  • A
    O2+
  • B
    O2-
  • C
    O2
  • Correct answer
    D
    O22-

Solution

To be diamagnetic, no unpaired electron must be present. 

Hint Write molecular orbital electronic configuration of each species.

For all options given,

σ1s2σ1s⋆2σ2s2σ2s*2σ2pz2π2px2=π2py2 is common. 

After that, O2+:π2px*1,

O2-:π2px*2=π2py*1,

and O2:π2px*1=π2py*1,

all contain unpaired electron. They are paramagnetic, but O22-:π2px*2=π2py⋆2 has no unpaired electrons. 

∴ It is diamagnetic.

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

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