The Pauling Perspective on the Nature of the Chemical Bond

The Pauling Perspective on the nature of the chemical bond, developed by chemist Linus Pauling, emphasizes that atoms bond by sharing or transferring electrons to achieve stability. He introduced the concept of hybridization, where atomic orbitals mix to form new shapes, allowing for stronger, more stable bonds. Pauling's work also highlighted the importance of electronegativity—the ability of an atom to attract electrons—resulting in varying bond types, such as polar and nonpolar covalent bonds. Ultimately, his theories improved our understanding of molecular structures and chemical reactions, laying the groundwork for modern chemistry.