\(\left[\mathrm{Ag}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{2}\right]^{+}\) and \(\left[\mathrm{Ag}(\mathrm{CN})_{2}\right]^{-}\) are both linear complexes. Draw the crystal field energy level diagram for the \(d\) orbitals for a linear complex, if the ligands lie along the \(z\) -axis.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In the energy level diagram for linear complexes with ligands along the z-axis, the dz^2 orbital will be at the highest energy level, followed by the dxy, dxz, and dyz orbitals, and finally the dx^2-y^2 orbital with a slightly higher energy than dxy but less than dz^2 orbital.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Geometry of the Complex

The first step is to recognize that we are dealing with linear complexes. In a linear complex, the arrangement of the ligands around the central metal atom is linear, with ligands directly opposite each other along the same axis, commonly the z-axis.
02

Identify the Axis Along Which the Ligands Are Arranged

For the given linear complexes, it is noted that the ligands are arranged along the z-axis.
03

Determine the Effect on the d Orbitals

In a linear geometry, the ligands will interact with the d orbitals of the metal. The d orbitals consist of two subsets: the d orbitals with lobes pointing along the axis (dz^2 and dx^2-y^2) and those with lobes oriented between the axes (dxy, dxz, dyz). Since the ligands are along the z-axis, the dz^2 orbital will experience the most direct overlap, raising its energy significantly.
04

Draw the Energy Level Diagram

With the recognition that the dz^2 orbital has the highest energy due to direct interaction with the ligands along the z-axis, the energy level diagram can be drawn. The dz^2 orbital will be at the highest energy level. The dxy, dxz, and dyz orbitals, which are not directly along the ligand axis, will be lower in energy. Finally, the dx^2-y^2 orbital, although also axis-oriented, will be at a lower energy than dz^2 because its lobes are along the x and y axes, and thus experiences less direct interaction with the ligands.
05

Finalize the Diagram

To complete the diagram, ensure that all five of the d orbitals are represented, with proper spacing to reflect their relative energy differences. The dz^2 orbital will be alone at the top, then the dxz and dyz orbitals at a middle level, next the dxy orbital, and finally, the dx^2-y^2 orbital being closer to the middle orbitals but at a slightly higher energy.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Linear Complexes
In chemistry, a linear complex refers to a type of coordination compound where the ligands are arranged in a straight line along a single axis. This simple structure has profound effects on the electronic environment of the central metal atom.

For instance, consider silver complexes like \(\left[\mathrm{Ag}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{2}\right]^{+}\) and \(\left[\mathrm{Ag}(\mathrm{CN})_{2}\right]^{-}\). These silver ions form linear complexes with their ligands, ammonia (NH3), and cyanide (CN-), respectively, coordinating in a straight line. The ligands are opposites each other along the z-axis, creating a unique electronic environment for the silver's d orbitals.

This arrangement is often depicted in a crystal field energy level diagram which helps in understanding the electron distribution and bonding in the complex. A proper visualization is crucial to gain insights into the complex's chemical properties, such as its color, magnetism, and reactivity.
d Orbitals
In the context of crystal field theory, d orbitals play a central role in the interaction between the metal ion and the ligands. These orbitals are responsible for holding the valence electrons of transition metals and are shaped differently, leading to distinct energy levels when influenced by ligands.

There are five d orbitals in total, each with its own spatial orientation: the dxy, dxz, dyz, dz2, and dx2-y2 orbitals. The interaction of ligands with these orbitals depends on the geometry of the complex. For linear complexes, the dz2 orbital has the most significant energy increase because its shape aligns with the z-axis, where the ligands are present.

The energy splitting of these orbitals in different complex geometries is fundamental to predicting the electronic transitions and hence the properties of the complex. Appreciating the shapes and orientations of these orbitals is essential to understanding their behavior in different ligand field environments.
Ligand Field Stabilization
Ligand field stabilization is the concept in coordination chemistry where the presence of ligands around the central metal atom results in energy differences among the d orbitals. This effect is due to the repulsion that occurs between the ligand's electrons and the electrons in the d orbitals.

The extent of stabilization varies depending on the geometry of the complex and the arrangement of the d orbitals. In the case of a linear complex, as with our silver examples, the ligands interact more intensely with the dz2 orbital while the dx2-y2 orbital, although oriented along the axes, experiences less interaction compared to dz2.

Understanding the concept of ligand field stabilization enables predictions about the structure, reactivity, and other properties of coordination compounds. It's important for students to visualize the different energy levels of d orbitals within this context to fully appreciate how ligands influence metal ions within a complex.
Metal-Ligand Bonding
The concept of metal-ligand bonding is at the heart of coordination chemistry. It involves the attraction between the central metal ion and the surrounding ligands. These bonds can be depicted using crystal field theory, which describes the influence of ligand's electric fields on the d orbital energies of the metal ion.

In a metal-ligand bond, electrons from the ligand donate into empty or partially filled metal d orbitals, forming a coordination bond. The strength and directionality of these bonds are greatly affected by the metal d orbital's disposition toward the ligands. In linear complexes, the dz2 orbital, which points along the axis of ligand approach, has a strong overlap with the ligands, leading to a significant raise in its energy due to repulsion.

Properly illustrating the effects of ligand interactions with the d orbitals enables us to predict the bond strength, bond lengths, and often the functional behavior of the complex. Hence, for students to fully understand metal-ligand bonding, it's important they conceptually grasp both the spatial arrangement and the energy implications of d orbitals within linear complexes.

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