Which is diamagnetic?
- [Co(F)6]3-
- [Ni(CN)4]2-
- [NiCl4]2-
- [Fe(CN)6]3-
Answer
(2) [Ni(CN)4]2-
Solution
(1) [CoF6]3-: Co3+ is 3d6; F- is a weak field ligand, so sp3d2 (outer orbital) with 4 unpaired electrons ⇒ paramagnetic.
(2) [Ni(CN)4]2-: Ni2+ is 3d8; strong field CN- pairs the electrons, dsp2, square planar, no unpaired electron ⇒ diamagnetic.
(3) [NiCl4]2-: Ni2+ (3d8) with weak field Cl-, sp3, tetrahedral, 2 unpaired electrons ⇒ paramagnetic.
(4) [Fe(CN)6]3-: Fe3+ is 3d5; even after pairing (d2sp3) 1 unpaired electron remains ⇒ paramagnetic.
∴ As per NCERT, square planar [Ni(CN)4]2- is diamagnetic while tetrahedral [NiCl4]2- is paramagnetic.
Answer: (2)