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Term symbol for ground state energy level for Na2[Co(SCN)4]

Accepted Answer

To determine the term symbol for the ground state of the Co(II) ion in Na2[Co(SCN)4], we need to consider the electronic configuration and the number of unpaired electrons.
1. Electronic Configuration: Cobalt(II) has an electronic configuration of [Ar] 3d7. In a tetrahedral complex like [Co(SCN)4]2-, the d orbitals split into two sets: e (dxy, dxz, dyz) and t2 (dz2, dx2-y2). The SCN- ligand is a weak field ligand, causing a small splitting between the e and t2 levels.
2. Crystal Field Splitting: Due to the weak field ligand, the electrons will fill the d orbitals according to Hund's rule. This means that the 7 electrons of Co(II) will fill the t2 orbitals first (3 electrons) and then the e orbitals (4 electrons). This leaves 3 unpaired electrons in the t2 orbitals.
3. Term Symbol: With 3 unpaired electrons, the spin multiplicity (2S+1) is 4 (2
3/2 + 1 = 4). The total orbital angular momentum (L) is determined by the sum of the individual orbital angular momenta. Each electron in a t2 orbital has an l value of 1, so the total L is 3 (1+1+1). This corresponds to an F state.
Therefore, the term symbol for the ground state of the Co(II) ion in Na2[Co(SCN)4] is 4F.


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