A commentary on Weisberg’s critique of the ‘structural conception’ of chemical bonding

Abstract Robin Hendry has presented an account of two equally valid ways understanding the nature chemical bonding, consisting what terms structural and energetic views respectively. In response, Weisberg issued a “challenge to view”, thus implying that view is more correct conceptions. doing so identifies delocalization electrons as one robust feature underlies increasingly accurate quantum mechanical calculations starting with Heitler-London method moving on such approaches valence bond molecular orbital theories bonding. The present article provides critical evaluation Weisberg’s concludes he fails characterize bonding in several respects. I claim Hendry’s remain viable Whereas appropriate for chemists, preferable physicists. Neither unless subscribes naively reductionist considering physical one.