Identify the number of unpaired electrons present and geometry respectively of [ Co(NH ₃)₆]³⁺ complex.

Step-by-step solution

The oxidation state of Co in [ Co(NH ₃)₆]³⁺ is +3 . The electronic configuration of Co is [ Ar ] 3d^7 4s^2 . The electronic configuration of Co ³⁺ is [ Ar ] 3d^6 . Since NH ₃ acts as a strong field ligand for Co ³⁺ , pairing of electrons takes place in the 3d subshell. All 6 electrons pair up in the inner d -orbitals, leaving two 3d orbitals empty. The number of unpaired electrons is 0 . The complex undergoes d^2sp^3 hybridization, resulting in an octahedral geometry. Answer: 0, octahedral