Wize University Organic Chemistry Textbook > The Basics (Lewis Structures, Bonding, VSEPR)
Bonding 2: Molecular (MO) Theory
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Molecular Orbital Theory
Molecular Orbital Theory is the most complicated model of bonding. It considers atomic orbitals which combine to make bonding and anti-bonding orbitals. The simplest example is H2 which is shown below.
A more complicated example is ethene (C2H4) below. It has both a sigma bond between the carbon atoms (s/p hybrid orbitals) and a pi bond between the carbon atoms (p orbitals). Both of these bonds can be shown with bonding and anti-bonding combinations.
Wize Tip
Since Molecular Orbital Theory is so complicated it tends to not be used in a lot of organic chemistry. Having a superficial understanding of MO Theory is enough!