Question

Look at the following two diagrams.

1. Is the diagrams I and II correct? Justify. If the figure is not correct, redraw it.

2. Which theory is related to this?

3. Explain briefly, how this theory is applicable to octahedral complexes.

Answer 1

1. No, Figure (II) is wrong.

2. Crystal field theory.

3. In the case of octahedral complexes, the ligands are approaching the ‘d’ orbitals through the axis. As a result of this the energy of d_x²-y² and d_z² orbitals increases and the energy of the remaining three orbitals decreases. The orbitals which possess high energy are represented as ‘eg’ levels and the orbitals which possess less energy are represented as “t_2g” levels.