Consider the metal complexes [Ni(en)3]2+ (A), [NiCl4]2- (B) and [Ni(NH3)6]2+ (C). Choose the CORRECT option by considering the number of unpaired electrons present in (A), (B) and (C) respectively and the order of frequency of absorption.
- 2, 2, 2 and (A) > (C) > (B)
- 0, 2, 0 and (A) > (C) > (B)
- 2, 2, 0 and (B) > (C) > (A)
- 2, 2, 2 and (C) > (A) > (B)
Answer
(1) 2, 2, 2 and (A) > (C) > (B)
Solution
Ni is +2 in all three complexes ⇒ Ni2+: 3d8
(A) [Ni(en)3]2+ and (C) [Ni(NH3)6]2+: octahedral, t2g6 eg2 ⇒ 2 unpaired electrons (for d8 the two eg electrons remain unpaired with any ligand)
(B) [NiCl4]2-: tetrahedral, e4 t24 ⇒ 2 unpaired electrons
⇒ 2, 2, 2
Frequency of light absorbed ∝ crystal field splitting Δ
en is a stronger field ligand than NH3 (spectrochemical series) ⇒ o: (A) > (C)
Tetrahedral splitting is small ( t 49 o) and Cl- is a weak field ligand ⇒ (B) is lowest
∴ (A) > (C) > (B)
Answer: (1)