MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

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The given complex is [ NiCl _4]^ 2- . Let the oxidation state of Ni be x. x + 4(-1) = -2 x = +2 The electronic configuration of neutral Ni is [ Ar ] 3d^8 4s^2. The electronic configuration of Ni^ 2+ is [ Ar ] 3d^8. Cl^ - is a weak field ligand, so it does not cause the pairing of electrons in the 3d orbitals of Ni^ 2+ . To accommodate the four electron pairs donated by the four Cl^ - ligands, the Ni^ 2+ ion undergoes hybridization using one 4s and three 4p empty orbitals. Therefore, the hybridization involved is sp^3, resulting in a tetrahedral geometry. Answer: sp^3