Question

Hey in class we learned that pi molecular orbitals come from overlapping p atomic orbitals...this occurs in a conjugated system or aromatic rings ( contains sp2 carbons with one remaining p orbital which can can overlap to form double bonds)...my question is why does it have to be in a 'CONJUGATED' system, can't you have molecular orbitals forming from cumulative pi bonds?

for ex) c=c=c=c in this case we have two sp2 carbons and two sp carbons with 2 remaining p atomic orbitals...cant we have molecular orbitals also forming here?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I don't know why you can't.