Medium MCQ +4 / -1 PYQ · JEE Mains 2023

The octahedral diamagnetic low spin complex among the following is :

  1. A [Co(NH$_3$)$_6$]$^{3+}$ Correct answer
  2. B [NiCl$_4$]$^{2-}$
  3. C [CoCl$_6$]$^{3-}$
  4. D [CoF$_6$]$^{3-}$

Solution

<p>In the complex [Co(NH$_3$)$_6$]$^{3+}$, Co is in the +3 oxidation state. This means it has a configuration of $d^6$. NH$_3$ is a strong field ligand, which causes the d-electrons to pair up. Therefore, this complex is a low-spin (also referred to as spin-paired) complex. </p> <p>The term &quot;low-spin&quot; means that the electrons prefer to pair up in the lower energy d-orbitals rather than occupy the higher energy orbitals. When all the electrons are paired, the complex is diamagnetic, which means it&#39;s not attracted to an external magnetic field. The hybridization of this complex is $d^2sp^3$, also known as inner orbital complex, because the inner d-orbitals are used in the hybridization.</p> <p>The complexes [CoF$_6$]$^{3-}$ and [CoCl$_6$]$^{3-}$ are both octahedral, but they do have unpaired electrons because $F^-$ and $Cl^-$ are not strong enough field ligands to cause pairing of all the electrons in the d-orbitals. Therefore, they are not low-spin or diamagnetic.</p> <p>Lastly, the complex [NiCl$_4$]$^{2-}$ is not octahedral. Because $Cl^-$ is a weak field ligand, the electrons in the d-orbitals do not pair up, and the $Ni^{2+}$ ion, with a $d^8 $ configuration, undergoes sp^3 hybridization, resulting in a tetrahedral complex. </p> <p>Therefore, the only octahedral, diamagnetic, and low-spin complex in the options provided is [Co(NH$_3$)$_6$]$^{3+}$ (Option A).</p>

About this question

Subject: Chemistry · Chapter: Coordination Compounds · Topic: Ligands and Coordination Number

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