Question

True/False: The crystal field splitting \(\Delta_o\) depends on the field produced by the ligand and the charge on the metal ion.

Hint:

Order of ligand field strength (spectrochemical series): \[ \text{I}^-<\text{Br}^-<\text{Cl}^-<\text{F}^-<\text{H}_2\text{O}<\text{NH}_3<\text{CN}^- \] Stronger ligands cause larger crystal field splitting.

Answer 1

Step 1: Crystal field splitting energy (\(\Delta_o\)) depends on the nature of the ligand. Strong-field ligands produce a larger splitting, while weak-field ligands produce a smaller splitting.
Step 2: \(\Delta_o\) also depends on the charge on the metal ion. Higher oxidation state of the metal ion increases attraction between metal and ligands, leading to greater splitting.
Step 3: Therefore, both ligand field strength and metal ion charge influence the value of \(\Delta_o\).