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Question 22.4: Predict the number of unpaired spins in the [Cr(en)3]^2+ ion...

Predict the number of unpaired spins in the [Cr(en)3]2+ ion.

Strategy The magnetic properties of a complex ion depend on the strength of the ligands. Strong-field ligands, which cause a high degree of splitting among the d orbital energy levels, result in lows-pin complexes. Weak-field ligands, which cause only a small degree of splitting among the d orbital energy levels, result in high-spin complexes.

Setup The electron configuration of Cr2+ is [Ar]3d4 ; and en is a strong-field ligand.

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Because en is a strong-field ligand, we expect [Cr(en)3]2+ to be a low-spin complex. According to Figure 22.18, all four electrons will be placed in the lower-energy d orbitals (dxy, dyz, and dxz) and there will be a total of two unpaired spins.

figure 22.18

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