Molecular Orbital Theory (MOT) is a way to understand how atoms bond together to form molecules. Instead of thinking of electrons as being in fixed orbits around individual atoms, MOT suggests that electrons exist in molecular orbitals that are spread out over the entire molecule. These orbitals can be formed when atomic orbitals from different atoms combine, allowing for a more accurate description of how electrons behave in a molecule.
In MOT, there are two main types of molecular orbitals: bonding and antibonding. Bonding orbitals help hold the atoms together, while antibonding orbitals can weaken the bond if occupied by electrons. This theory is particularly useful for explaining the properties of complex molecules, such as benzene or oxygen, and helps chemists