Explain [Co(NH3)6]3+ is an inner orbital complex whereas [Ni(NH3)6]2+ is an outer orbital complex.


[Co(NH3)6]3+



[Ni(NH3)6]2+



Oxidation state of cobalt:


Overall charge balance:


X + 6(0) = 3


X = + 3



Oxidation state of nickel:


Overall charge balance:


X + 6(0) = 2


X = + 2



Outer electronic configuration of cobalt = d6



Outer electronic configuration of nickel = d8







NH3 is a strong field ligand so it causes pairing of electron. Therefore cobalt undergoes d2sp3 hybridisation. As in the hybridisation d2 orbitals are used from the (n-1)d orbitals(inner orbitals as n = 4 being quantum number) . hence it is a inner orbital complex.



NH3 is a strong field ligand so it causes pairing of electron. Therefore nickel undergoes sp3 d2 hybridisation. As in the hybridisation d2 orbitals are used from the nd orbitals (outer orbitals as n = 4 being quantum number) . hence it is a outer orbital complex.




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