Question

Which of the following is diamagnetic?
a) O2 b) O2- c) C2 d) C2-

Answer 1

Answer:

$C_{2}$ is diamagnetic because it has zero unpaired electrons.

Explanation:

A compound is diamagnetic if all its electrons are paired and paramagnetic if any of its electrons are unpaired.

• Here $C_{2}$  is diamagnetic, that is no unpaired electrons are present.

• $O_{2}$ has two unpaired electrons, so it is paramagnetic.

• $O_{2}^{-}$ has one unpaired electron, so it is paramagnetic.

• $C^{-}_{2}$ has one unpaired electron, therefore it is paramagnetic in nature.