How to Explain High-spin in a Complex – Part 1

A coordination complex is a chemical compound made of a central atom/ion (usually metallic) called the coordination center and a surrounding array of bound molecules/ions referred to as ligands or complexing agents.


Coordination complexes typically having transition metals or d-block elements in the periodic table are known as metal-ligand complexes (MLCs).

High-spin complexes are also known as spin-free complexes.

Question:

Why are tetrahedral complexes mostly high-spin?

Solution:



Click/tap to enlarge the image

Δt = Crystal field splitting energy of a tetrahedral complex, Δo = Crystal field splitting energy of an octahedral complex, P = Pairing energy

The subscript ‘g’ (gerade) is omitted from orbital labels because a tetrahedron lacks a center of symmetry. Due to the high number of unpaired electrons, these complexes are typically paramagnetic.

Stupendous spin❓ Let Chemaficionado know in the comments below or at mychemistryhomework@gmail.com❗

References:

(1)    Brown, C.; Ford, M. Higher Level Chemistry, 2nd ed.; Pearson Education: Harlow, Essex, 2014.

(2)    Ncert. Chemistry : Textbook for Class XII - Part.I; National Council Of Educational Research And Training: New Delhi.

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