Hydrogen cyanide activation barrier

Formally, the lone pairs on molecular nitrogen, hydrogen cyanide, and carbon monoxide are sp hybrid orbitals, whereas NLMO hybridizations calculated even lower p contributions. Hence, these lone pairs have low directionality, the electron density remains close to the coordinating atom and interaction between the lone pair and the Be2+ is comparatively weak. The Be-L bonds are easily disrupted and ligand exchange consequently can proceed with a low activation barrier. A high degree of p character, on the other hand, means that the lone pair is directed toward beryllium, with electron density close to the metal center, and thus well suited for coordination. 

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