Nonbonding Electron Definition

A nonbonding electron does not participate in a reaction.
A nonbonding electron does not participate in a reaction. Science Photo Library - MEHAU KULYK, Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on July 08, 2019

A nonbonding electron is an electron in an atom that does not participate in bonding with other atoms. The term can refer to either a lone pair in which the electron is localized and associated with one atom or to a non-bonding orbital in which the electron is delocalized throughout a molecule.

The delocalized electrons of benzene are indicated by drawing a circle within the ring.
Read More
Secrets of Delocalized Electrons in Chemistry
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Nonbonding Electron Example

The 1s orbital electrons of a lithium atom are nonbonding electrons. Bonds are formed with the 2s electron.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Nonbonding Electron Definition." ThoughtCo, Jun. 25, 2024, thoughtco.com/definition-of-nonbonding-electron-605412. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2024, June 25). Nonbonding Electron Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-nonbonding-electron-605412 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Nonbonding Electron Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-nonbonding-electron-605412 (accessed July 20, 2024).