can molecular orbitals overlap with atomic orbitals?

Combination of orbitals means nothing but formation of bonds. As you know, two or more atoms combine together to form a molecule i.e. atomic orbitals of diffrent atoms combine to form molecular orbitals. This is called linear combination of atomic orbitals.

A bond is always formed between two atoms and not between two molecules or a molecule and an atom.So, its is always atomic orbitals which combine together to form molecular orbitals.

Hope it is clear to you.

Thanks & Regards

Pankaj Singh

askIITians Faculty