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Ground state term symbol of Na2[Co(SCN)4]
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To determine the ground state term symbol of [Co(SCN)4]2-, we need to consider the electronic configuration of the cobalt ion and the ligand field splitting. Here's a breakdown:
1. Cobalt Ion: Co2+ has an electronic configuration of [Ar]3d7. In a tetrahedral complex, the d orbitals split into two sets: e (dxy, dxz, dyz) and t2 (dx2-y2, dz2). The e orbitals are higher in energy than the t2 orbitals.
2. Ligand Field: Thiocyanate (SCN-) is a weak-field ligand, meaning it causes a small splitting of the d orbitals. Therefore, the seven d electrons of Co2+ will occupy the t2 orbitals first, with three electrons in each orbital. This leaves the e orbitals empty.
3. Term Symbol: The ground state term symbol is determined by the total spin (S) and the total orbital angular momentum (L) of the d electrons. In this case:
S: There are three unpaired electrons, so S = 3/2. The multiplicity is 2S+1 = 4.
L: Since the e orbitals are empty, L = 0, corresponding to an S term.
4. Final Term Symbol: Combining the multiplicity and L, the ground state term symbol for [Co(SCN)4]2- is 4S. This indicates a high spin state with a quartet multiplicity.
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