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 hexaaquo complex has a coordination number of 6 and therefore should have 6 d electrons. The three sulfur ligands that coordinate to the central cobalt ion in this complex are strong field ligands and cause ligand field splitting, which results in three d orbitals with higher energy (dx2-y2, dz2, and dxz/dyz) and two d orbitals with lower energy (dxy and dx2-y2). The last electron goes into one of the two lower energy d orbitals, resulting in only one unpaired electron. Therefore, the answer is 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