u/Consistent-Cook5836

I have a question about LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital), and specifically how Br₂ works as a LUMO. My understanding is that an empty antibonding orbital accepts electrons, but I don’t get how this is specific to Br₂ and why this doesn’t apply to all diatomic molecules/molecules in general. I mean, orbitals doesn’t really exist until it has an electron, so all atoms and molecules technically have ”empty” orbitals. So why is Br₂ counted as a LUMO?

I have a question about LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital), and specifically how Br₂ works as a LUMO. My understanding is that an empty antibonding orbital accepts electrons, but I don’t get how this is specific to Br₂ and why this doesn’t apply to all diatomic molecules/molecules in general. I mean, orbitals doesn’t really exist until it has an electron, so all atoms and molecules technically have ”empty” orbitals. So why is Br₂ counted as a LUMO?