LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital)

The Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) is the energy level of the simplest, closest unfilled orbital in a molecule. It acts as the next available space for electrons to occupy. When a molecule interacts with energy or other atoms, electrons may move into the LUMO, enabling chemical reactions. The LUMO's energy level helps determine how easily a molecule can accept electrons, which influences its reactivity and how it interacts in chemical processes. Essentially, the LUMO is a key concept for understanding a molecule’s ability to participate in reactions involving gaining electrons.