Definition

Describing a type of orbital that prevents atoms from forming a bond by creating a repulsive force when they come close together.

Example

The antibonding orbital is higher in energy than the bonding orbital, making it less stable.

Conversation

I was reading about molecular orbitals and came across this term antibonding.

Oh, I think I've heard of that! It relates to how atoms interact, right?

Yeah, it really impacts how molecules form, especially when there's an antibonding orbital involved.

That makes sense; it sounds like it could complicate bonding quite a bit.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antibonding is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "bonding" (from the root "bond" which comes from Old English "bonda", meaning to bind or tie). The term describes a state that opposes or weakens the binding interaction between atoms in a molecule.

Memory Tip

Think of 'anti-' meaning against, and 'bonding' referring to the act of tying or binding. This helps you remember that antibonding refers to a state that works against the binding of atoms.

Visually Confused Words