What can be inferred from the magnetic moment values of the following complex species?
What can be inferred from the magnetic moment values of the following complex species?
Example Magnetic Moment (BM)
K4[Mn(CN)6] 2.2
[Fe(H2O)6]2+ 5.3
K2[MnCl4] 5.9
Magnetic moment $(\mu)$ is given as $\mu=\sqrt{n(n+2)}$.
For value $n=1, \mu=\sqrt{1(1+2)}=\sqrt{3}=1.732$.
For value $n=2, \mu=\sqrt{2(2+2)}=\sqrt{8}=2.83$.
For value $n=3, \mu=\sqrt{3(3+2)}=\sqrt{15}=3.87$.
For value $n=4, \mu=\sqrt{4(4+2)}=\sqrt{24}=4.899$.
For value $n=5, \mu=\sqrt{5(5+2)}=\sqrt{35}=5.92$.
(i) K4[Mn(CN)6]
For in transition metals, the magnetic moment is calculated from the spin-only formula. Therefore,
$\sqrt{n(n+2)}=2.2$
We can see from the above calculation that the given value is closest to
. Also, in this complex, Mn is in the +2 oxidation state. This means that Mn has 5 electrons in the d-orbital.
Hence, we can say that CN− is a strong field ligand that causes the pairing of electrons.
(ii) [Fe(H2O)6]2+
$\sqrt{n(n+2)}=5.3$
We can see from the above calculation that the given value is closest to
. Also, in this complex, Fe is in the +2 oxidation state. This means that Fe has 6 electrons in the d-orbital.
Hence, we can say that H2O is a weak field ligand and does not cause the pairing of electrons.
(iii) K2[MnCl4]
$\sqrt{n(n+2)}=5.9$
We can see from the above calculation that the given value is closest to $n=5$. Also, in this complex, $M n$ is in the $+2$ oxidation state. This means that Mn has 5 electrons in the $d$-orbital.
Hence, we can say that Cl− is a weak field ligand and does not cause the pairing of electrons.