The spin-only magnetic moment of an octahedral complex [ Fe ( CN )₆ ]^ x- is 1.73 B.M. The value of x is _____.

Step-by-step solution

Given, spin-only magnetic moment = 1.73 B.M. = n(n+2) B.M. n(n+2) = 1.73 = 3 This gives the number of unpaired electrons, n = 1 . In the complex [ Fe ( CN )₆ ]^ x- , the ligand CN ⁻ is a strong field ligand, which causes pairing of electrons. Let us check the common oxidation states of Iron (Fe): For Fe ²⁺ ( 3 d ⁶ ), in a strong field, the configuration is t _ 2 g ⁶ e _ g ⁰ . Here, n = 0 . For Fe ³⁺ ( 3 d ⁵ ), in a strong field, the configuration is t _ 2 g ⁵ e _ g ⁰ . Here, n = 1 . Since n = 1 , the oxidation stat