The CN molecule has been found in interstellar space. Assuming the electronic structure of the molecule can be described using the molecular orbital energy level diagram in Figure 9.16, answer the following questions.
(a) What is the highest energy occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) to which an electron (or electrons) is (are) assigned?
(b) What is the bond order of the molecule?
(c) How many net σ bonds are there? How many net π bonds?
(d) Is the molecule paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

Data given in Figure 9.16

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ENERGY 2p 2p 2p 0 25 1s atomic orbitals 2p TT 2p 2p 2p 0 25 025 2p 15 015 molecular orbitals for B₂, C₂, and N₂ 2p 2p 2p 25 1s atomic orbitals (a) Energy level diagram for B₂, C₂, and N₂. For O₂ and F2, the σ2, MO is lower in energy than the m2p MOs. 20 πT 2P 020 TT 2P 0 25 025 N₂ molecular orbitals (b) Computer-generated molecular orbitals for N₂. Color scheme: occupied MOs are blue/green. Unoccupied MOs are red/