AIIMS2019Chemistry-Coordination Compounds

AIIMS 2019 Chemistry Crystal Field Theory MCQ Question

Type: MCQ-conceptual-Medium-Class 12

Which of the following complexes has maximum CFSE?

A

K₃[Fe(CN)₆]

B

K₃[Co(Ox)₃]

C

K₃[CoF₆]

D

K₃[Co(CN)₆]

Correct Answer

Option A

Detailed Explanation

K₃[Fe(CN)₆] has the maximum crystal field stabilization energy (CFSE) because it features the strong field ligand CN⁻, which causes significant splitting of the d-orbitals in the octahedral complex, leading to a low-spin configuration and a higher CFSE value. In contrast, K₃[Co(Ox)₃] and K₃[CoF₆] contain weaker field ligands (Ox²⁻ and F⁻, respectively), resulting in lower CFSE due to less orbital splitting and potentially high-spin configurations. K₃[Co(CN)₆] also has CN⁻ as a strong field ligand, but the oxidation state of Co in this complex is +3, which can lead to a lower CFSE compared to the +2 oxidation state in K₃[Fe(CN)₆].

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