Chapter 20, Problem 64E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: It is given that, the complex ion ${\text{PdCl}}_{\text{4}}{}^{2-}$ is diamagnetic. The structure of this complex ion is to be proposed.

Concept introduction: If a molecule contains unpaired electrons, then, it is said to be paramagnetic whereas if a molecule does not contain any unpaired electron, then, it is said to be diamagnetic.

Weak field ligand that has small crystal field splitting energy gives high spin due to presence of maximum unpaired electrons in lower energy ${\text{t}}_{\text{2g}}$ orbitals and higher energy orbitals.

Strong field ligand that has large crystal field splitting energy gives low spin due to presence of maximum paired electrons in lower energy ${\text{t}}_{\text{2g}}$ orbitals.

To determine: The structure of complex ion ${\text{PdCl}}_{\text{4}}{}^{2-}$.