Question:

Complexes (\(\mathrm{ML_5}\)) of metals Ni and Fe have ideal square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal grometries, respectively. The sum of the \(90^\circ\), \(120^\circ\) and \(180^\circ\) L-M-L angles in the two complexes is _________.

Show Hint

Count the distinct L-M-L angles (pairs of ligands) of each geometry that equal 90, 120 or 180 degrees, then add the two counts.
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Correct Answer: 20

Solution and Explanation

There are C(5,2) = 10 L-M-L pairs in each ML5 complex.
Square pyramidal (Ni): 4 basal ligands + 1 apical. Apical-basal angles: 4 at 90°. Adjacent basal-basal: 4 at 90°. Trans basal-basal: 2 at 180°. Total = 4 + 4 + 2 = 10 angles (8 of 90°, 2 of 180°).
Trigonal bipyramidal (Fe): 3 equatorial + 2 axial. Equatorial-equatorial: 3 at 120°. Axial-equatorial: 6 at 90°. Axial-axial: 1 at 180°. Total = 3 + 6 + 1 = 10 angles.
Sum = 10 + 10 = 20.
Answer: 20
Was this answer helpful?
0
0