The Central Themes of Valence Bond (VB) Theory
Basic Principle
A covalent bond forms when the orbitals of two atoms overlap and are occupied by a pair of electrons that have the highest probability of being located between the nuclei.
Three Central Themes
A set of overlapping orbitals has a maximum of two electrons that must have opposite spins.
The greater the orbital overlap, the stronger (more stable) the bond.
The valence atomic orbitals in a molecule are different from those in isolated atoms (hybridization).
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