NEETChemistryCoordination Compounds
What happens to the degeneracy of d orbitals when ligands surround a metal atom/ion in a coordination complex?
Options
- AThe degeneracy of d orbitals is maintained.
- BThe degeneracy of d orbitals is lowered.
- CThe degeneracy of d orbitals is raised.
- DThe degeneracy of d orbitals depends on the nature of ligands.
Correct answer
B. The degeneracy of d orbitals is lowered.
Step-by-step solution
When ligands surround a metal atom/ion in a coordination complex, the degeneracy of d orbitals is lowered due to repulsion between metal d orbitals and ligand electrons.