| Bonding Molecular Orbitals $(BMO)$ | Antibonding Molecular Orbitals $(ABMO)$ |
| It is abbreviated as $BMO$. Its wave function is expressed by $\psi_{MO} = \psi_{A} + \psi_{B}$. | It is abbreviated as $ABMO$. Its wave function is expressed by $\psi_{MO}^{*} = \psi_{A} - \psi_{B}$. |
| They are formed by the additive effect of atomic orbitals. | They are formed by the subtractive effect of atomic orbitals. |
| Formation involves constructive interference of electron waves,reinforcing each other. | Formation involves destructive interference of electron waves,canceling each other. |
| Electron density is concentrated between the nuclei,reducing internuclear repulsion. | Electron density is concentrated away from the space between the nuclei. |
| No nodal plane is present between the nuclei. | $A$ nodal plane (where electron density is zero) exists between the nuclei. |
| Electrons in $BMO$ stabilize the molecule. | Electrons in $ABMO$ destabilize the molecule. |
| $BMO$ possesses lower energy than the combining atomic orbitals. | $ABMO$ possesses higher energy than the combining atomic orbitals. |
| $BMO$ is stable. Examples: $\sigma, \pi$. | $ABMO$ is unstable. Examples: $\sigma^{*}, \pi^{*}$. |
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