High-spin vs low-spin complexes
Coordination Compounds · Chemistry
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[Fe(H₂O)₆]²⁺ is paramagnetic (4 unpaired) but [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ is diamagnetic. Explain. Step 1: Fe²⁺ is d⁶. H₂O weak-field → Δ₀ < P → high-spin t₂g⁴e_g² (4 unpaired). Step 2: CN⁻ strong-field → Δ₀ > P → low-spin t₂g⁶ (0 unpaired). Step 3: Magnetic measurement distinguishes them instantly. Step 4: Ligand field strength flips magnetism — CFT's predictive power!