Question:

The order of field strength of the following ligands in the spectrochemical series is

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Ambidentate ligand thiocyanate is weaker through sulfur $(SCN^-)$ and stronger through nitrogen $(NCS^-)$.
Updated On: Apr 24, 2026
  • $NCS^-<CN^-<SCN^-<S^{2-}<OH^-$
  • $NCS^-<OH^-<S^{2-}<NCS^-<CN^-$
  • $CN^-<S^{2-}<OH^-<NCS^-<SCN^-$
  • $SCN^-<S^{2-}<OH^-<NCS^-<CN^-$
  • $SCN^-<S^{2-}<CN^-<NCS^-<OH^-$
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
According to the spectrochemical series, ligands are arranged from weak field to strong field depending on their crystal field splitting ability $(\Delta)$.
Step 1: Identify weak field ligands.
Sulfur donor ligands generally produce weak crystal field splitting. Hence: \[ SCN^-<S^{2-} \]
Step 2: Place intermediate ligand.
Hydroxide ion has stronger field strength than sulfur donor ligands but weaker than strong $\pi$-acceptor ligands. So: \[ S^{2-}<OH^- \]
Step 3: Identify stronger ligands.
When thiocyanate coordinates through nitrogen $(NCS^-)$, it becomes stronger than $OH^-$. Also cyanide is one of the strongest common ligands. Thus: \[ OH^-<NCS^-<CN^- \]
Step 4: Combine the complete order.
\[ SCN^-<S^{2-}<OH^-<NCS^-<CN^- \]
Step 5: Final answer.
\[ \boxed{SCN^-<S^{2-}<OH^-<NCS^-<CN^-} \]
Hence, correct option is (D).
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