The correct order of spin-only magnetic moment for the given complexes is:
A
[Co(H2O)6]2+>[MnCl6]3−>[Fe(CN)6]3−
B
[Fe(CN)6]3−>[Co(H2O)6]2+>[MnCl6]3−
C
[MnCl6]3−>[Fe(CN)6]3−>[Co(H2O)6]2+
D
[MnCl6]3−>[Co(H2O)6]2+>[Fe(CN)6]3−
Step-by-Step Solution
The spin-only magnetic moment (μ) is given by the formula μ=n(n+2) BM, where n is the number of unpaired electrons. A higher number of unpaired electrons results in a higher magnetic moment.
[MnCl6]3−: The oxidation state of Mn is +3. The electronic configuration of Mn3+ is 3d4. Since Cl− is a weak field ligand, the crystal field splitting energy is small (Δo<P), leading to a high-spin complex (t2g3eg1). The number of unpaired electrons is n=4.
[Co(H2O)6]2+: The oxidation state of Co is +2. The electronic configuration of Co2+ is 3d7. Since H2O is a weak field ligand, it forms a high-spin complex (t2g5eg2). The number of unpaired electrons is n=3.
[Fe(CN)6]3−: The oxidation state of Fe is +3. The electronic configuration of Fe3+ is 3d5. Since CN− is a strong field ligand, the crystal field splitting energy is large (Δo>P), leading to a low-spin complex (t2g5eg0). The number of unpaired electrons is n=1.
The order of the number of unpaired electrons is 4>3>1. Therefore, the correct order for the spin-only magnetic moment is [MnCl6]3−>[Co(H2O)6]2+>[Fe(CN)6]3−.
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