Please help, how does bond order correspond to phase. I am asked to use the drawing of MO energy diagram to predict the bond order of [Be2]+ and [Be2]−, which I have done, and I determined that the bond order of [Be2]+ is (+1/2). But then I am asked if I expect [Be2]+ to exist in the gas phase and I do not know how to determine this.

thanks...

Question

Please help, how does bond order correspond to phase. I am asked to use the drawing of MO energy diagram to predict the bond order of [Be2]+ and [Be2]−, which I have done, and I determined that the bond order of [Be2]+ is (+1/2).  But then I am asked if I expect [Be2]+ to exist in the gas phase and I do not know how to determine this.

thanks...

kainui · Answer

Since the bond order is positive, then it should be expected to exist in the gas phase. That might seem simple, but I'm pretty sure that's all they're looking for.