HOMO-LUMO Interactions Flashcards
Order the possible MOs from lowest energy to highest energy.
σ bonding, π bonding, non-bonding, π* anti-bonding and σ* anti-bonding.
In order for a reaction to take place, what requirement must be met?
The overall energy of the electrons must be lowered.
What do curly arrows show?
The movement of a PAIR of electrons.
What determines the geometry of attack?
The symmetry of the orbitals.
What is the most favourable angle of nucleophilic attack for a carbonyl?
107 degrees from the carbonyl.
Why do nucleophiles not attack into the C-C π* MO?
There is no dipole moment so initial electrostatic attraction. The C-C π* is higher in energy (due to better energy match between overlapping AOs) than the C-O π* so there is a worse energy match between the LUMO and the HOMO of the nucleophile.
