Question

Sort the following complex ions by the magnitude of Δ₀, with the largest Δο at the top and the smallest Δ₀ at the bottom

A [CrCl6]²⁻
B [CrCl6]³⁻
c [CrCl6]⁴⁻

Answer 1

The order of the complex ions by the magnitude of their crystal field splitting energy (Δ0) from largest to smallest is: [CrCl6]4−, [CrCl6]3−, [CrCl6]2−.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to sort the following complex ions by the magnitude of their crystal field splitting energy (Δ0), with the largest Δ0 at the top and the smallest Δ0 at the bottom: [CrCl6]2−, [CrCl6]3−, and [CrCl6]4−.

The magnitude of the crystal field splitting energy (Δ0) depends on the nature of the metal ion and its charge, as well as the ligands that surround it.

In this case, the metal ion is the same (chromium), and the ligands are also the same (chloride ions), so we only need to consider the charge of the metal ion. As the charge on the metal ion increases, the electrostatic interactions between the metal cation and the ligands become stronger, which leads to a larger Δ0 value.

Therefore, the order from largest to smallest Δ0 is as follows:

1. [CrCl6]4−
2. [CrCl6]3−
3. [CrCl6]2−