Nonbonding Electron Definition and Example

A nonbonding electron is an electron in an atom that does not participate in bonding with other atoms. The term can refer to either a lone pair in which the electron is localized and associated with one atom or to a non-bonding orbital in which the electron is delocalized throughout a molecule. Nonbonding Electron Example The 1s orbital electrons of a lithium atom are nonbonding electrons. Bonds are formed with the 2s electron.