Chapter 20, Problem 77AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Among octahedral ${\text{Ni}}^{\text{+2}}$ complex and octahedral ${\text{Cr}}^{\text{+2}}$ complexes, the one which is better to use to determine whether a given ligand is a strong field or weak field ligand is to be stated. Besides measuring the number of unpaired electrons, another method for determining the relative ligand field strength is to be stated.

Concept introduction: The electrons in the d orbital of a transition metal split into high and low energy orbitals when ligands are attached to it. The energy difference between these two levels depends upon the properties of both metal and the ligands. If the ligand is strong, then splitting will be high and the complex will be low spin. If the ligand is weak, then splitting will be less and the complex will be high spin.

To determine: The complex which is better to use for determining whether a given ligand is a strong field or weak field ligand and another method for determining the relative ligand field strength.