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Determining the electronic configuration using crystal field theory
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Crystal field theory describes the interaction between metal ions and ligands, explaining the splitting of d orbitals in transition metal complexes. To determine the electronic configuration using crystal field theory:
1. Identify the metal ion and its oxidation state.
2. Determine the coordination number and geometry of the complex. This determines the number and relative energies of the d orbitals. For example, octahedral complexes have two sets of d orbitals (eg and t2g), while tetrahedral complexes have only one set of d orbitals.
3. Consider the ligands involved. Strong-field ligands cause a larger splitting of d orbitals, while weak-field ligands cause a smaller splitting. This affects the electron filling order.
4. Apply Hund's rule and the Aufbau principle. Electrons fill the lower energy orbitals first, and they will individually occupy each orbital before pairing up.
The electronic configuration resulting from crystal field theory helps to predict the complex's properties like color, magnetism, and reactivity.
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