Give the electronic configuration of the following complexes on the basis of

Crystal Field Splitting theory.


[CoF6]3–, [Fe(CN)6]4– and [Cu(NH3)6]2+.


The crystal field splitting energy is lesser than pairing energy( ∆o<P) for complexes containing weak field ligands. So, pairing here is not preferred(higher energy, unstable)


The crystal field splitting energy is greater than pairing energy( ∆o>P) for complexes containing strong field ligands. So, pairing is preferred here(lower energy, stable)


[Three of the t2gorbitals can hold two electrons each so they can hold a total of 6 electrons.


Two of the eg orbitals can hold two electrons each so they can hold a total of 4 electrons.]


[CoF6]3–


F is a weak field ligand. Pairing is not preferred. so the two electrons instead of pairing in t2g


Co3+(d6)has electronic configuration t2g4 eg2


So, the two electrons instead of pairing in t2g go to eg orbitals.


[Fe(CN)6]4–


CN is a strong field ligand. Pairing is preferred.


Fe2+(d6) has electronic configuration t2g6 eg0


So, all the six electrons get paired up in t2g and no electron enters the eg orbitals


[Cu(NH3)6]2+


NH3 is a strong field ligand. Pairing is preferred.


Cu2+ (d9) has electronic configuration t2g6 eg3


The six electrons first get paired up in t2g and the remaining 3 electrons enter the eg orbitals and they too get paired up leaving behind only one unpaired eg electron.


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