A hypothetical transition metal ion is positioned at the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system. It is approached by two identical point charge ligands situated along the ±z axis, creating a linear c

Question

A hypothetical transition metal ion is positioned at the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system. It is approached by two identical point charge ligands situated along the ±z axis, creating a linear crystal field. Which of the following diagrams correctly represents the splitting of the metal ion's degenerate orbitals in this crystal field ?

TestHub · Accepted Answer

Ligand Direction: Two negative ligands approach along the $\pm z$ -axis, creating a linear crystal field.

Repulsion Effect: Orbitals pointing directly along or containing a $z$ -component experience stronger electrostatic repulsion and rise in energy.

p-orbital splitting (A): The $p_{z}$ orbital points directly at the ligands, making it significantly higher in energy than $p_{x}$ and $p_{y}$ .

d-orbital splitting (D): The $d_{z^{2}}$ orbital faces direct repulsion and rises highest, followed by $d_{x z}$ and $d_{yz}$ (partial $z$ -character), while $d_{x y}$ and $d_{x^{2} - y^{2}}$ have no $z$ -character and drop lowest.

Chemistry - Coordination Chemistry Question with Solution | TestHub

Options:(select one or more)

Doubts & Discussion

JEE Advanced 2027 (Class 12)