Molecular orbital theory MOT

In the final section of this chapter, we shall attempt to give a brief rationalization of the regularities and peculiarities of the reactions of non-labile complexes which have been discussed in the previous sections. The theoretical framework in which the discussion will be conducted is that of molecular orbital theory (mot). The MOT is to be preferred to alternative approaches for it allows consideration of all of the semi-quantitative results of crystal field theory without sacrifice of interest in the bonding system in the complex. In this enterprise we note the apt remark d Kinetics is like medicine or linguistics, it is interesting, it js useful, but it is too early to expect to understand much of it . The electronic theory of reactivity remains in a fairly primitive state. However, theoretical considerations may not safely be ignored. They have proved a valuable stimulus to incisive experiment. 

The application of organometallic compounds in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture and industry requires the accurate determination of these metals as part of their application. Most % complexes characterised by direct carbon-to-carbon metal bonding may be classified as organometallic and the nature and characteristics of the n ligands are similar to those in the coordination metal-ligand complexes. The -complex metals are the least satisfactorily described by crystal field theory (CFT) or valence bond theory (VBT). They are better treated by molecular orbital theory (MOT) and ligand field theory (LFT). There are several uses of metal 7i-complexes and metal catalysed reactions that proceed via substrate metal rc-complex intermediate. Examples of these are the polymerisation of ethylene and the hydration of olefins to form aldehydes as in the Wacker process of air oxidation of ethylene to produce acetaldehyde. 

Werner s coordination theory, with its concept of secondary valence, provides an adequate explanation for the existence of such complexes as [Co(NH3)6]Cl3-Some properties and the stereochemistry of these complexes are also explained by the theory, which remains the real foundation of coordination chemistry. Since Werner s work predated by about twenty years our present electronic concept of the atom, his theory does not describe in modem terms the nature of the secondary valence or, as it is now called, the coordinate bond. Three theories currently used to describe the nature of bonding in metal complexes are (1) valence bond theory (VBT), (2) crystal field theory (CFT), and (3) molecular orbital theory (MOT). We shall first describe the contributions of G. N. Lewis and N. V. Sidgwick to the theory of chemical bonding. 

The molecular orbital theory (MOT) is widely used by chemists. It includes both the covalent and ionic character of chemical bonds, although it does not specifically mention either. MOT treats the electron distribution in molecules in very much the same way that modem atomic theory treats the electron distribution in atoms. First, the positions of atomic nuclei are determined. Then orbitals aroimd nuclei are defined these molecular orbitals (MO s) locate the region in space in which an electron in a given orbital is most likely to be found. Rather than being localized arormd a single atom, these MO s extend over part or all of the molecule. 

If semiempirical theory is either inapplicable or insufficiently precise, the next recourse is generally ab initio molecular orbital theory (MOT)... 

We have noted several times in this book that resonance structures are inherently a valence bond theory (VBT) concept. Molecular orbital theory (MOT) does not require such structures. Hence, there are MOT bonding concepts that describe the bonding pictures given above for alkenes, alkynes, and CO. A simple MOT picture is given in the following Going Deeper highlight. 

The bonding in transition metal complexes has been described by three different theories crystal field theory (CFT), valence bond theory (VBT), and molecular orbital theory (MOT). Detailed descriptions of these three approaches are given in the standard inorganic texts and are not repeated here. However, some general statements concerning the applicability of these various bonding descriptions for metal 7r-complexes are noted. 

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