A Qualitative Introduction to Bond Formation by Valence Bond Theory

The overlapping of atomic orbitals is the base to understand concepts like Hyperconjugation and
Hybridization which are very important to understand Organic Chemistry. Before we learn about
Overlapping of atomic orbitals, it is important to introduce the valence bond theory, which we shall call
VBT hereafter. A complete treatment of the VB Theory requires some per-requisite knowledge. Since
this is only an introduction and for the sake of convenience, VBT has been discussed in terms of
qualitative and non-mathematical treatment only. The Valence Bond Theory, was introduced by Heitler
and London but was developed by Pauling and others. Since this is a mere introduction, no perrequisite is required as such. But I highly suggest that have some elementary knowledge of atomic
orbitals and electronic configurations. Even if you don't have any knowledge of the aforementioned
topics, you don't need to worry. I have made sure that all the information provided here is very easy to
understand. Please note that this is just an introduction of VBT, and the deeper aspects of it have been
written in the other posts. Let us begin by considering an example of the simplest of all molecules.
Consider two hydrogen atoms. Let us call them 1 and 2. Each of them has 1 nucleus and 1 electron. Let
the nucleus and electron of the first hydrogen be N1 and e1 respectively. Similarly we will call the
nucleus and electron of the second hydrogen as N2 and e2. When these two atoms are at a large
distance from each other, there is no electronic interaction between them. Now suppose these two
atoms are approaching each other. As they come closer, new attractive and repulsive forces begin to
operate. At this point, I should remind you something you already know. The Nucleus has protons and
hence it has a positive charge. A positive charge attracts a negative charge. Unlike charges attract and
Like charges repel. That being said, let us list the electronic forces that the two atoms would
experience.
Clearly, attractive forces would arise between nucleus of one atom and it's own electron and the
electron of the other atom. Also, repulsive forces arise between electrons of the two atoms and the
nuclei of two atoms. Make sure you understand these ideas by looking at the pictures below.
Experimentally it has been found that the the attractive forces, especially between the Nucleus of one
atom and the electron the other atom is stronger than the repulsive forces between the two Nuclei. Now,
as the two atoms approach each other, their potential energy decreases. Ultimately a stage is reached
where the net force of attraction balances the force of repulsion and the system acquires minimum
energy. The molecule that we just created is more than isolated hydrogen atoms. The energy so released
in called a bond enthalpy (amount of energy required to break 1 mole of bonds), which is
corresponding to the minimum in the curve shown below.
Conversely,if the same amount of energy is supplied to 1 mole of Hydrogen molecule, then it
dissociates into individual Hydrogen atoms.
H2(g) + 435.8 kJ/mol ------> H(g) + H(g)