Which of the following are true about the energy of the given d-orbitals of a tetrahedral complex? A. d_ xy = d_ xz > d_ x^2-y^2 B. d_ xy = d_ yz > d_ z^2 C. d_ x^2-y^2 > d_ z^2 > d_ xz D. d_ x^2-y^2 = d_ z^2 Choose the correct answer from the given below:

Step-by-step solution

In a tetrahedral complex, the five d-orbitals split into two sets due to the crystal field created by the ligands. The ligands approach the central metal ion between the axes. The d_ xy , d_ yz , and d_ xz orbitals (forming the t₂ set) point between the axes, experiencing greater repulsion from the ligands, and thus have higher energy. The d_ x^2-y^2 and d_ z^2 orbitals (forming the e set) point along the axes, experiencing lesser repulsion, and thus have lower energy. Therefore, the energy order is d_ xy = d_ yz =