Chapter 50: Molecular Orbitals and Hybridization

Molecular orbital theory constructs delocalised electronic states from atomic orbital superpositions—the LCAO (Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals) method. In the co-rotor framework, this is mode superposition on the fiber T²: atomic harmonics combine into molecular harmonics spanning two or more nuclear centres. This chapter develops bonding and antibonding orbitals, classifies σ and π bonds, analyses homonuclear and heteronuclear diatomics, derives hybrid orbitals (sp³, sp², sp) from energy-optimised superpositions, and introduces the frontier orbital picture (HOMO/LUMO) that governs chemical reactivity.