Photoelectron Spectra of Nonmetal Compounds and Their Interpretation by MO Models

Abstract

AbstractThe results of (low energy) photoelectron spectroscopy render possible a better appreciation of the “Nature of the Chemical Bond”. The application of this new experimental method is demonstrated utilizing representative compounds of the nonmetal elements, and a close symbiosis delineated with molecular orbital models. In particular, general consequences are discussed concerning electron deficiency, σ‐ and π‐interactions, electron pair delocalization, and substituent effects or geometric perturbations. Photoelectron spectroscopic ionization energies permit evaluation of parameters for specified molecular groups, allow correlation with numerous other experimental data, and are didactically valuable in the teaching of general chemistry.