Comparing Atomic versus Molecular Orbitals in Comprehensive Introductory Organic Chemistry Textbooks

Abstract

Variations, factual inaccuracies, inconsistencies in presentation, and ordering of various topics related to atomic and molecular orbitals in comprehensive introductory organic chemistry textbooks prompted their comparison. This work analyzes atomic orbitals, molecular orbitals, and related concepts in introductory organic chemistry and provides student-identified remedies. The recommendations are fact-based, pedagogically useful, and designed to clarify discrepancies in comprehensive introductory organic chemistry textbooks and avoid the inadequacies from being carried to future editions.