Chapter 19, Problem 58E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Theorder of increasing wavelength of light absorbed by given complexes needs to be determined.

  ${{\text{[Co(H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O)}}_{\text{6}}\text{]}}^{\text{3+}},{{\text{[Co(CN)}}_{\text{6}}\text{]}}^{\text{3-}}{\text{,[CoI}}_{\text{6}}{\text{]}}^{\text{3-}},{{\text{[Co(en)}}_3\text{]}}^{\text{3+}}$

Concept Introduction:

Crystal field theory is the theory given to explain the bonding in the coordination complexes. As ligand approaches towards the metal ion, the d-orbital of metal ion divide according to the energy of metal ion. On the basis of energy and degeneracy, the d-orbital can be classified as ${\text{t}}_{\text{2g}}$ and ${\text{e}}_{\text{g}}$ orbitals. The electrons will fill according to their energy levels.

The spectrochemical series is the series of ligands in order of their ability of splitting the d-orbitals. It is used to study the light absorbed by the complexes as it shows the ligands from strong field to weak field.