Lesson eLearning

In the spectrochemical series, which ligand causes the largest splitting (Δ₀) for an octahedral complex of a 3d metal ion?

hard MCQ 3 marks Class 11 · Biology · Chemical Coordination and Integration
  1. A) [CO3^2-]
  2. B) [CN-]
  3. C) [NH3]
  4. D) [H2O]
Answer
B) [CN-]

The correct answer is B) [CN-] — Thus the correct answer is option B.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Recall the order of ligand field strengths: I⁻ < Br⁻ < Cl⁻ < NO3⁻ < H2O < NH3 < py < phen < CO₂²⁻ < CN⁻ < CO.
  2. Identify the ligand in each option: A) CO3²⁻ (moderate), B) CN⁻ (strongest), C) NH3 (moderate), D) H2O (weak).
  3. Select the ligand with the greatest Δ₀ – that is CN⁻.
  4. Thus the correct answer is option B.
Common mistake: Confusing the position of CO₂²⁻ or CO with other ligands

Concept tested: Spectrochemical series and ligand field splitting

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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