Question

According to VBT, the shape of [CoF₆]^3- is ________.

Answer 1

• The element Cobalt belongs to group VIII of the periodic table. It is similar to iron and nickel in its physical properties. The electronic configuration of cobalt is [Ar]3d⁷4s².
• Co is in a +3 oxidation state in the complex [CoF₆]^3-.
• Hence, [CoF₆]^3- is sp³d² hybridized and the shape is octahedral.
• Therefore, according to VBT (valence bond theory), the shape of [CoF₆]^3-is octahedral.