MHT CET202525 Apr 2025Morning ShiftChemistryCoordination CompoundsActual
What is the number of unpaired electrons in [ Co ( NH ₃ )₆ ]³⁺ complex?
Options
- A4
- B3
- C2
- DZero
Correct answer
D. Zero
Step-by-step solution
The cobalt ion in [ Co ( NH ₃ )₆ ]³⁺ has an oxidation state of +3, giving it the configuration [ Ar ] 3d^6 . Ammonia is a strong field ligand that causes significant crystal field splitting in octahedral complexes. This favors electron pairing in the lower energy t_ 2g orbitals before occupying e_g orbitals. All six electrons pair completely in the three t_ 2g orbitals: There are zero unpaired electrons.