The hexxaaquo complex, [Co(OH₂)₆]²⁺ ,Should have how many unpaired electrons? A) 4 B) 3 C) 2 D) 1 E) 0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hexxaaquo complex has an overall charge of +1, indicating that it has lost one electron. Cobalt has a d⁷ electron configuration, so it would have 3 unpaired electrons. However, in this complex, there are two negatively charged ligands (OH⁻ and B₆O₇⁻), which can cause the electrons to pair up in the d-orbitals. This means that only 1 unpaired electron remains, making the answer choice B.

The Hexxaaquo Complex, [Co(OH2)6]2+ ,Should Have How Many Unpaired Electrons

The Hexxaaquo Complex, [Co(OH₂)₆]²⁺ ,Should Have How Many Unpaired Electrons