Question

The geometry of $\left[Ni\right(CO{)}_4]$ and $\left[NiCl\right(PP{h}_3{)}_2]$ are

• A. Both square planar
• B. Tetrahedral and square planar
• C. Both tetrahedral
• D. Square planar and tetrahedral

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Tetrahedral and square planar

$Ni(CO{)}_4-Ni-[Ar]3d^{8}4s^2-s{p}^3$ hybridization. Since $CO$ is strong field ligand it took electron pair from $4s$ to $3d$. $4$ incoming ligands take place $4s$ and $4p$ orbitals.
$Ni(PP{h}_3{)}_{2}C{l}_2-N{i}^{2+}-[Ar]3d^8-ds{p}^2$ hybridization. Since $PP{h}_3$ is a strong field ligand it will pair the electrons in $3d$ orbitals. $4$ incoming orbitals takes place in $3d,4s$ and $4p$ orbitals.