Which d orbital(s) is/are highest in energy in a tetrahedral complex? A)d_z² B)d_xy, d_xz, and d_yz C)d_z² and E)d_xy and d_xz

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals that are highest in energy are the set of degenerate orbitals dxy, dxz, and dyz. This is because the four ligands in a tetrahedral geometry are positioned at equal distances from the central metal ion, and thus they all interact equally with the metal's d orbitals. In option B, those three orbitals are present.

Which D Orbital(s) Is/are Highest in Energy in a Tetrahedral