internuclear axis

(noun)

The space between the nuclei of two atoms bonded to each other.

Related Terms

  • valence bond theory
  • atomic orbitals
  • covalent bond

Examples of internuclear axis in the following topics:

  • Explanation of Valence Bond Theory

    • $\sigma$ bonds occur when orbitals overlap between the nuclei of two atoms, also known as the internuclear axis.
    • Atomic orbitals from two atoms overlap in the region between the nuclei (internuclear axis).
  • Bonding and Antibonding Molecular Orbitals

    • A bond involving molecular orbitals that are symmetric with respect to rotation around the bond axis is called a sigma bond (σ-bond).
    • In this anti-bonding MO, with energy much higher than the original AOs, any electrons present are located in lobes pointing away from the central internuclear axis.
    • For a π-bond, corresponding bonding and antibonding orbitals would not have such symmetry around the bond axis, and are designated π and π* respectively.
  • The Phase of Orbitals

    • A bond involving molecular orbitals that are symmetric with respect to rotation around the bond axis is called a sigma bond (σ-bond).
    • In this anti-bonding molecular orbital with energy much higher than the original atomic orbitals, any electrons present are located in lobes pointing away from the central internuclear axis.
    • For a π-bond, corresponding bonding and antibonding orbitals would not have such symmetry around the bond axis and would be designated π and π*, respectively.
  • Double and Triple Covalent Bonds

    • Similar to double bonds, no rotation around the triple bond axis is possible.
    • The electron density corresponding to the shared electrons is not concentrated along the internuclear axis (i.e., between the two atoms), unlike in sigma bonds.
  • Bond Energy

    • A Morse curve shows how the energy of a two atom system changes as a function of internuclear distance.
    • At internuclear distances in the order of an atomic diameter, attractive forces dominate.
    • The internuclear distance at which the energy minimum occurs defines the equilibrium bond length.
  • Bond Lengths

    • X-ray diffraction of molecular crystals allows for the determination of the three-dimensional structure of molecules and the precise measurement of internuclear distances.
  • Chirality and Symmetry

    • The boat conformation of cyclohexane shows an axis of symmetry (labeled C2 here) and two intersecting planes of symmetry (labeled σ).
    • The notation for a symmetry axis is Cn, where n is an integer chosen so that rotation about the axis by 360/nº returns the object to a position indistinguishable from where it started.
    • In addition to the point of symmetry noted earlier, (E)-1,2-dichloroethene also has a plane of symmetry (the plane defined by the six atoms), and a C2 axis, passing through the center perpendicular to the plane.
  • Major Features of a Phase Diagram

    • These diagrams plot pressure on the y-axis and temperature on the x-axis.
  • Strong Acid-Weak Base Titrations

    • The curve depicts the change in pH (on the y-axis) vs. the volume of HCl added in mL (on the x-axis).
  • Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules

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