Which of the following complex is octahedral, diamagnetic and the most stable?
Solution
<p>Option A :
$\mathrm{Na}_{3}\left[\mathrm{CoCl}_{6}\right]$ </p>
<p>This is an octahedral complex, but it is not diamagnetic. Co in this complex is in +3 oxidation state, and the d-electron configuration is $t_{2g}^6 e_{g}^0$, leading to two unpaired electrons.</p>
<p>Option B :
$$\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{6}\right] \mathrm{Cl}_{2}$$ </p>
<p>This is also an octahedral complex, but it is not diamagnetic. The Co ion is in +2 oxidation state with a d-electron configuration of $t_{2g}^5 e_{g}^2$, leading to 3 unpaired electrons.</p>
<p>Option C :
$\mathrm{K}_{3}\left[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{CN})_{6}\right]$ </p>
<p>This complex is both octahedral and diamagnetic. Co in this complex is in +3 oxidation state and the d-electron configuration is $t_{2g}^6 e_{g}^0$, which means no unpaired electrons. This complex is more stable due to a strong field ligand (CN<sup>-</sup>) which leads to a greater splitting of d-orbitals and more pairing of electrons.</p>
<p>Option D :
$\left[\mathrm{Ni}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{6}\right] \mathrm{Cl}_{2}$ </p>
<p>This is an octahedral complex, and it is diamagnetic. The Ni ion is in +2 oxidation state with a d-electron configuration of $t_{2g}^8 e_{g}^0$, leading to no unpaired electrons. However, NH<sub>3</sub> is a weaker field ligand compared to CN<sup>-</sup>, so the complex is less stable than Option C.</p>
<p>Hence, the complex that is octahedral, diamagnetic, and the most stable among the given options is $\mathrm{K}_{3}\left[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{CN})_{6}\right]$.</p>
About this question
Subject: Chemistry · Chapter: Coordination Compounds · Topic: Ligands and Coordination Number
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