Question

What is crystal field splitting energy? How does the magnitude of ∆_o decide the actual configuration of d orbitals in a coordination entity?

Answer 1

The degenerate d-orbitals (in a spherical field environment) split two level i.e. e_g and t₂g in the presence of ligands. The splitting of the degenerate orbitals in the presence of ligands is called crystal field splitting and the energy difference between the two levels (e and t₂g) is called the crystal field splitting energy. It is denoted by ∆_o. After the orbitals have split, the filling of the electrons takes place. After 1 electron (each) has filled in the three t₂g orbitals, the filling of the electrons takes place in 2 ways.

It can enter the orbital (giving) rise to t³g e_g, like electronic configuration on the pairing of the electrons can take place in the t₂g orbitals (giving rise to t⁴₂g eg⁰ like electronic configuration). If the ∆_o value of a ligand is less than the pairing energy, then the electrons enter the eg orbital. On the other hand, if the ∆_o value of a ligand is more than the pairing energy, then the electrons enter the t₂g orbitals.