| Abstract: | The molecular orbital configuration for the ground-state of O2 generates the valence formula  . “Increased-valence” formulae for triatomic and polyatomic molecules have been developed recently. In them, more electrons participate in bonding than is possible for the familiar valence-bond formulae. Using oxyhaemoglobin as an example of an oxygen carrier, various increased-valence formulae are generated for the FeO2 groups. In the low-energy formulae, the iron is bonded to the above valence formula for O2. Therefore, in contrast to the bonding schemes of Pauling and Coryell, Griffith and Weiss, little reorganization of O2 need occur on formation of HbO2. This conclusion is independent of the mode of co-ordination of iron to the O2. |
