Knowing the relative energy levels of the atomic orbitals of carbon and nitrogen, we can construct an atomic energy level diagram such as that shown in the feedback and$/$or solution to the previous question. If you haven't done so yet, go back to the previous question and sketch that diagram in your notes.

To determine which atomic orbitals can combine to form molecular orbitals $($MOs$),$ we now need to separate them into $-$symmetric and $-$symmetric orbitals. We are still assuming that the $C-N$ bond lies along the $z-$axis.

Sort the atomic orbitals of carbon and nitrogen into $-$symmetric and $-$symmetric groups.

$$ svmmetric

$$ symmetric

$2p_z(N)$

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