Valance Bond Theory

Define Valence Bond Theory.

Valance Bond Theory class 11 is a theory that explains chemical bonding. According to VBT, the overlap of partially filled atomic orbitals results in the formation of a chemical bond between two atoms. The unpaired electrons are shared, resulting in the formation of a hybrid orbital.

What are Merits of Valence Bond Theory?

VBT is used to explain how covalent bonds are formed in the molecules. It is used to explain the strength of H2, F2, etc.

How are Sigma and Pi Bonds formed?

  • Sigma bonds are formed when the atomic orbitals involved in the bond overlap head-to-head.
  • Pi bonds, on the other hand, involve the atomic orbitals overlapping in parallel.

Who Discovered Valence Bond Theory(VBT)?

American scientists Linus Pauling and John C. Slater are credited for the discovery of Valence Bond Theory.

What are Coordination Compound?

Coordination Compounds are the compound that are formed by metal-ligand bonds. Some examples of coordination compounds are, [Fe(H2O)6]3+, [Pt(NH3)2Cl2], etc.

What are Limitations of Valance Bond Theory(VBT)?

Various limitations of the Valance Bond Theory(VBT) are,

  • Valance Bond Theory (VBT) is not able to explain the formation of coordinate covalent bond.
  • Valance Bond Theory (VBT) is unable to distinct between weak and strong ligands, etc.


Valence Bond Theory

Valence bond theory (VBT) describes the formation of covalent bonds and the electronic structure of molecules. It assumes that electrons occupy atomic orbitals of individual atoms within a molecule, and that the electrons of one atom are attracted to the nucleus of another atom.

VBT states that the overlap of incompletely filled atomic orbitals leads to the formation of a chemical bond between two atoms. The unpaired electrons are shared and a hybrid orbital is formed. VBT views bonds as weakly coupled orbitals (small overlap). When the orbitals overlap along an axis containing the nuclei, they form a σ bond. VBT accounts for the directional nature of covalent bonds.

In this article, we will learn about Valance Bond Theory, Valance Bond Theory Class 12, its various postulates, limitations, and other details. Before learning about VBT (Valance Bond Theory), let’s first learn about Hybridization.

Table of Content

  • What is Hybridization?
  • Number of Orbitals and Types of Hybridization
  • What is Valence Bond Theory?
  • Postulates of Valence Bond Theory
  • Applications
  • Limitations

Similar Reads

What is Valence Bond Theory?

Valance Bond Theory also called VBT is the basic theory used to explain the structure and the bonding in coordination compounds. This theory is used to explain the formation of the bonds in the various atomic orbitals of the coordination compounds....

What is Hybridization?

In the year 1931, scientist Linus Pauling proposed the innovative concept of hybridization. He called the process hybridization and characterized it as the shifting of the energy of particular atoms’ orbitals to produce new orbitals of equivalent energy. New orbitals, known as hybrid orbitals, emerge as a result of this process. The hybrid orbitals are shown in the image added below,...

Number of Orbitals and Types of Hybridization

VBT explains that we have (n-1)d, ns, np, or ns, np, nd that are used for hybridization and they form hybrid orbital in which the electrons then reside. The various types of hybrid orbitals are responsible for various shapes that are shown in the table below,...

History of Valence Bond Theory

Valence Bond Theory class 11 (VBT) was proposed by German physicists Walter Heinrich Heitler and Fritz Wolfgang London because, Lewis approach to chemical bonding failed to shed light on chemical bond formation. Furthermore, the valence shell electron pair repulsion theory (or VSEPR theory) had only a few applications (and also failed in predicting the geometry corresponding to complex molecules)....

Postulates of Valence Bond Theory

Various postulates of VBT or Valance Bond Theory are,...

Applications of Valence Bond Theory

Various applications of VBT or Valance Bond Theory class 11 and Valance Bond Theory class 12 are,...

Limitations of Valence Bond Theory

The limitations of the Valance Bond Theory are,...

Valence Bond Theory Examples

Valence bond theory (VBT) is used to explain how covalent bonds form in many compounds. Here are some examples of VBT:...

FAQs on Valance Bond Theory

Define Valence Bond Theory....