internuclear
Adjective
Meaning
internuclear (not comparable)
(physics) Acting between nuclei
Examples
3. Arrange the SALCs of each molecular fragment in increasing order of energy, first noting whether they stem from s, p, or d orbitals (and put them in the order s < p < d), and then their number of internuclear nodes.
A δ bonding orbital has two nodal planes containing the internuclear axis, and a δ* antibonding orbital also has a third nodal plane between the nuclei.
A σ* orbital, sigma antibonding orbital, also maintains the same phase when rotated about the internuclear axis.
A π* orbital, pi antibonding orbital, will also produce a phase change when rotated about the internuclear axis.
Perelomov et al. citation citation included the Coulomb interaction at larger internuclear distances.
This means that rotation of the MO about the internuclear axis does not result in a phase change.