Chapter 19, Problem 59E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The relative field splitting of ${\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}$ and ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ ligands needs to be determined.

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.