2+ 2O is a strange molecule because its existence is unexpected. Indeed, one would expect that two a — Analytical Chemistry Chemistry Question

2+ ²O is a strange molecule because its existence is unexpected. Indeed, one would expect that two approaching O⁺ cations should repel each other so that the energy of the system rises and formation of 2+ ²O is impossible. However, the molecular cation 2+ ²O was first observed experimentally in the early sixties. This means that although coulombic repulsion is important at short distances, covalent bonding must be very strong and, indeed, takes over stabilizing the system. A triple bond is formed by the coupling of the three unpaired p electrons on each O⁺ yielding 2+[O O] . The potential energy curve of this molecule is shown in the graph below, and because of its particular shape, it is often called “volcano–type potential”.