Chapter 23: Problem 10

Discuss the crystal field splitting in a square planar complex.

Short Answer

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The crystal field splitting in a square planar complex refers to the different energy levels of the five d-orbitals due to varying levels of repulsion from the ligands surrounding the central atom. The \(d_{xz}\) and \(d_{yz}\) orbitals experience less repulsion due to pointing between the ligands, and hence have lower energy. The remaining three orbitals (\(d_{xy}\), \(d_{x^2 - y^2}\), and \(d_{z^2}\)) that are oriented at the ligands have higher energy.

Step by step solution

Understanding Crystal Field Theory and the Square Planar Geometry

Crystal Field Theory is a model that describes the breaking of degeneracies of electron orbital states, usually d or f orbitals, due to a static electric field produced by a surrounding charge distribution (anion neighbors). A square planar geometry involves one atom at the center and four atoms surrounding it in the same plane, forming a square.

Orientation of D-orbitals in a Square Planar Complex

The central metal ion in the square planar complex is surrounded by d-orbitals. Two of these orbitals, \(d_{xz}\) and \(d_{yz}\), point between the ligands and therefore experience less repulsion. The other three orbitals (\(d_{xy}\), \(d_{x^2 - y^2}\), and \(d_{z^2}\)) are oriented at the ligands and encounter higher electron repulsion.

Crystal Field Splitting in a Square Planar Complex

When the ligands approach the central metal ion in the square planar complex, the metal ion d-orbitals will split in terms of their energy. The orbitals that point between the ligands (\(d_{xz}\) and \(d_{yz}\)) will have lower energy than the orbitals directed at the ligands (\(d_{xy}\), \(d_{x^2 - y^2}\), and \(d_{z^2}\)). This phenomenon of uneven distribution of energy among the orbitals resulting from the difference in electron repulsion is called 'crystal field splitting'.

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Discuss the crystal field splitting in a square planar complex.

Short Answer

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Understanding Crystal Field Theory and the Square Planar Geometry

Orientation of D-orbitals in a Square Planar Complex

Crystal Field Splitting in a Square Planar Complex

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