JEE MainChemistryCoordination Compounds
An aqueous solution of potassium hexacyanidoferrate(II) is treated with chlorine gas, resulting in the formation of a new complex. The number of electrons in the t_ 2g orbitals of the central metal ion in the newly formed complex is
Correct answer
5
Step-by-step solution
2K₄[Fe(CN)₆] + Cl₂ 2K₃[Fe(CN)₆] + 2KCl The reactant is potassium hexacyanidoferrate(II), which contains Fe²⁺ . Chlorine acts as an oxidizing agent and oxidizes Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺ . The new complex formed is potassium hexacyanidoferrate(III), [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ . The central metal ion is Fe³⁺ , which has a 3d^5 electronic configuration. Since CN^- is a strong field ligand, it causes pairing of electrons. The crystal field splitting energy is greater than the pairing energy ( _o > P ). Therefore, the electronic configuration of F