Question:

Which of the following transition metal complexes is expected to be diamagnetic?

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CN$^-$ is a strong field ligand that often produces low-spin, diamagnetic complexes especially for d$^8$ metals like Ni$^{2+}$.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • [Ni(CN)$_4$]$^{2-}$
  • [NiCl$_4$]$^{2-}$
  • [Fe(H$_2$O)$_6$]$^{3+}$
  • [CoF$_6$]$^{3-}$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Magnetic behavior of coordination complexes depends on the presence of unpaired electrons. Strong field ligands cause pairing (low spin), while weak field ligands produce unpaired electrons (high spin).

Step 1: Oxidation state and d-electron count

• [Ni(CN)$_4$]$^{2-}$: Ni$^{2+}$ = 3d$^8$

• [NiCl$_4$]$^{2-}$: Ni$^{2+}$ = 3d$^8$

• [Fe(H$_2$O)$_6$]$^{3+}$: Fe$^{3+}$ = 3d$^5$

• [CoF$_6$]$^{3-}$: Co$^{3+}$ = 3d$^6$

Step 2: Ligand field strength analysis

• CN$^-$ is a strong field ligand → causes electron pairing.

• Cl$^-$, F$^-$, H$_2$O are weak field ligands → no pairing.

Step 3: Magnetic behavior

• [Ni(CN)$_4$]$^{2-}$: strong field → all electrons paired → diamagnetic

• [NiCl$_4$]$^{2-}$: paramagnetic (unpaired electrons)

• [Fe(H$_2$O)$_6$]$^{3+}$: paramagnetic (high spin d$^5$)

• [CoF$_6$]$^{3-}$: paramagnetic (high spin)
Thus, only [Ni(CN)$_4$]$^{2-}$ is diamagnetic.
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