What is the correct electronic configuration of the central metal ion in the complex [FeCl₄]^- based on crystal field theory?

Step-by-step solution

In the complex [FeCl₄]^- , the oxidation state of Fe is +3 . The electronic configuration of Fe atom is [Ar] 3d^6 4s^2 . Therefore, the Fe³⁺ ion has a 3d^5 configuration. Since the coordination number is 4 , the complex has a tetrahedral geometry. In a tetrahedral crystal field, the d -orbitals split into a lower energy e set and a higher energy t₂ set (note the absence of 'g' subscripts, which are only for centrosymmetric geometries like octahedral). Tetrahedral complexes are generally high-spin because the crysta