To determine the magnetic behaviour, we evaluate the number of unpaired electrons in the central metal ion of each complex :
- [Ni(CN)4]2−: The central metal ion is Ni in the +2 oxidation state with a 3d8 configuration. Since CN− is a strong field ligand, it causes the pairing of the two unpaired 3d electrons against Hund's rule. This results in zero unpaired electrons (n=0), making the complex diamagnetic .
- [CuCl4]2−: The central metal ion is Cu in the +2 oxidation state (3d9). It has one unpaired electron, making it paramagnetic.
- [CoF6]3−: The central metal ion is Co in the +3 oxidation state (3d6). F− is a weak field ligand and does not pair the electrons, leaving 4 unpaired electrons. It is paramagnetic .
- [NiCl4]2−: The central metal ion is Ni in the +2 oxidation state (3d8). Cl− is a weak field ligand, so the pairing of electrons does not occur, leaving 2 unpaired electrons. It is paramagnetic .
Therefore, [Ni(CN)4]2− is the diamagnetic complex.