Question

Sketch a d-orbital energy diagram for the following:

a. a linear complex ion with ligands on the x-axis

b. a linear complex ion with ligands on the yaxis

Short answer

a.

b.

Step-by-step solution

Difference in diagrams

• The only difference that would occur in the diagram if the ligands were on the y axis is the relative positions of the dxy, dxz, and dyz orbitals.

• dxz will have the smallest destabilization of all these orbitals.

• dxy and dyz orbitals will degenerate, since both are destabilized equivalently from the y-axis ligands.

Sketching a d orbital diagram for a linear complex ion with ligands on the x-axis

The linear complex ion with ligands on the x-axis

In place of ligands, splitting will take place, so the crystal field splitting diagram is as shown below.

A d-orbital energy diagram concerning the x-axis

If the repulsion is more, the energy of that orbital is more, and the repulsion is at maximum when the ligands are coming along the x-axis. Hence, it should have the highest energy.

Sketching a d orbital diagram for a linear complex ion with ligands on the y-axis

The linear complex ion with ligands on the y-axis

In place of the ligands, splitting will take place, so the crystal field splitting diagram is as shown below.

A d-orbital energy diagram concerning the y-axis