Chapter 21, Problem 46RQ

Bonding in Metal Complexes

Consider the complex ${\left[M{\left({\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\right)}_{\text{2}}{\text{Cl}}_{\text{4}}\right]}^{\text{-}}$ illustrated below on the left. Suppose the structure of this complex is distorted to give the structure on the right, where the water molecules along the z axis have moved away from the metal somewhat and the four chloride ions along the x and y axes have moved closer. What effect will this distortion have on the energy level splitting pattern of the d orbitals? Use a sketch of the splitting pattern to illustrate your answer.