Question

The first row transition metal complexes having tetrahedral geometry are high spin due to:

• A. ${\Delta }_t>P$
• B. ${\Delta }_t<P$
• C. ${\Delta }_t=P$
• D. ${\Delta }_t>{\Delta }_o$

Answer 1

The correct option is B ${\Delta }_t<P$

Tetrahedral complexes always show high spin complex i.e. no pairing of electrons because in tetrahedral complexes the coordination number of metal is four only, thus crystal field splitting is less in tetrahedral complexes. Hence, pairing energy is more compared to the crystal field splitting energy.