Chapter 23: Problem 12

Discuss the salient features of ligand field theory. How does it differ from crystal field theory?

Short Answer

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Ligand Field Theory (LFT) focuses on molecular orbitals and covalent interactions for a more detailed picture of metal-ligand bonding. Crystal Field Theory (CFT) sees ligands as point charges with electrostatic interactions. Thus, while both are used to explain bonding in coordination complexes, they approach the interaction differently - CFT uses an electrostatic model, while LFT uses a model based on molecular orbitals.

Step by step solution

Title: Explain Ligand Field Theory

Ligand Field Theory (LFT) is a model used in inorganic chemistry to explain the bonding and properties of coordination complexes. It takes into account the understanding of molecular orbitals and overlaps them with the d-orbitals of the metal ion and the ligand orbitals to form bonding, non-bonding, and anti-bonding orbitals.

Title: Explain Crystal Field Theory

Crystal Field Theory (CFT) is a model in which the interaction between a central metal ion and its surrounding ligands is explained by the points of negative charges. In this model, these negatively charged points are directly arranged towards the central metal ion leading to the splitting of degenerate d-orbitals into two different energy levels.

Compare and Contrast LFT and CFT

The main difference between Ligand Field Theory and Crystal Field Theory is their approach in treating the metal-ligand interaction. In Crystal Field Theory, the ligands are considered as point charges and only electrostatic interactions are considered. In contrast, Ligand Field Theory goes beyond this and treats the metal-ligand interaction covalently and takes into account the overlap of molecular orbitals. Therefore, the Ligand Field Theory provides a more accurate and detailed picture of the metal-ligand bonding.

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Discuss the salient features of ligand field theory. How does it differ from crystal field theory?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Title: Explain Ligand Field Theory

Title: Explain Crystal Field Theory

Compare and Contrast LFT and CFT

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