Majorana, Pauling and the quantum theory of the chemical bond

Abstract

We discuss in detail very little known results obtained by Majorana as early as 1931, regarding the quantum theory of the chemical bond in homopolar molecules, based on the key concept of exchange interaction. After a brief historical overview of the quantum homopolar valence theory, we address the intriguing issues of the formation of the helium molecular ion, He2+, and of the accurate description of the hydrogen molecule, H2. For the first case, the group theory-inspired approach used by Majorana is contrasted with that more known followed by Pauling (and published few months after that of Majorana), while for the second case we focus on his proposal concerning the possible existence of ionic structures in homopolar compounds, just as in the hydrogen molecule. The novelty and relevance of Majorana's results in the modern research on molecular and chemical physics is emphasized as well.