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Is [co(ox)3]^4- high or low spin complex?
Accepted Answer
The [Co(ox)3]^4- complex is a low-spin complex. Here's why:
Cobalt(II) ion (Co^2+) has 7 d electrons.
Oxalate (ox^2-) is a weak-field ligand, meaning it does not cause significant splitting of the d orbitals.
Octahedral geometry: In an octahedral complex, the d orbitals split into two sets: the lower-energy t2g orbitals and the higher-energy eg orbitals.
Low spin: Since oxalate is a weak-field ligand, the energy difference between t2g and eg orbitals is small. To minimize electron repulsion, the electrons will preferentially fill the t2g orbitals, resulting in a low-spin configuration.
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