Question

Qualitatively draw the crystal field splitting of the dorbitals in a trigonal planar complex ion. (Let the z-axis be perpendicular to the plane of the complex.)

Short answer

The diagram is as shown below.

Crystal field splitting in a trigonal planar complex ion

Step-by-step solution

Crystal field splitting diagram

The crystal field theory (CFT) refers to a process, where five degenerate orbitals tend to split into two distinct sets, possessing different energies.

A crystal field splitting diagram can help in predicting the magnetic properties of the coordination compounds.

Crystal field splitting diagram in a trigonal planar complex

We know that electrons repel each other. The d-orbital electrons closer to the ligands will have a higher energy than those far away.

• The set lying above the barycenter possesses a higher energy level.
• The other set lying below the barycenter possesses a lower energy level.

The crystal field diagram of the d-orbital in a trigonal planar complex ion is as shown below.

Crystal field splitting in a trigonal planar complex ion