(Solved): 7. Based on the above MO diagram for formaldehyde, we can draw the shape of the MOs for the molecul ...

7. Based on the above MO diagram for formaldehyde, we can draw the shape of the MOs for the molecule. The figure shows the bonding orbitals of formaldehyde. Pay special attention to the \( \pi \) co-orbital, \( \sigma_{c o} \)-orbital, and lone pairs. The above figure, however, is not entirely accurate. The electrons populating the \( \sigma_{c o-o r b i t a l} \) and \( \pi \) co-orbital are closer in energy to the oxygen atom relative to the carbon atom. Whereas the \( \pi^{*} \) co-orbital and the \( \sigma^{*} \) co-orbital are both close to the carbon atom. This distorts the MOs in favor of the more electronegative atom. see the shape of the \( \pi^{*} \) co-orbital that is responsible for several reactions of the carbonyl group. a. Based on the MO diagram for formaldehyde, and the above information on the amplitude of the orbitals, if the carbonyl group were to react with a nucleophile, what atom would the nucleophile attack? Why? electronegativity difference means C=O \( \pi \) * crital is distorted towards \( \mathrm{C} \) If the same carbonyl was placed in an acidic solution (e.g., dil. \( \mathrm{HCl} \) ) write an equation to show what the elementary proton exchange step looks like?