O2+ is paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

1 Answer
Nov 21, 2017

Paramagnetic

Explanation:

We can work this out by looking at the molecular orbital diagram of O2

http://www.grandinetti.org/

O+2 has 1 fewer electron than O2 which is what gives it the positive charge.

The electron would be removed from the π orbital, as this is the highest in energy. Removing one electron from the π orbital still leaves one unpaired electron in the other π* orbital.

Since O+2 has an unpaired electron it is paramagnetic.