Question
Question: Which one of the following complex ions has the highest magnetic moment? a.) \({ [Cr(NH }_{ 3 }{ )...
Which one of the following complex ions has the highest magnetic moment?
a.) [Cr(NH3)6]3+
b.) [Fe(CN6)]3−
c.) [Fe(CN6)]4−
d.) [Zn(NH3)6]2+
Solution
Hint: Each electron in an atom behaves like a magnet. The rotation of the electron is called its magnetic moment. Its magnetic moment evolved from two different types of motions;
Its orbital motion around the nucleus and it’s spin around its own axis.
Complete step-by-step answer:
For the compound [Cr(NH3)6]3+, we can see that ammonia is the ligand which has charge = 0
So, the oxidation state of Cr=+3
Atomic number of Cr = 24
The electronic configuration of Cr = [Ar]3d54s1
So, Cr+3 has electronic configuration = [Ar]3d3
Where, Ar = argon having atomic number = 18
Here, three unpaired electrons are present,so, the magnetic moment will be;
μ=n(n+1)
Where, n= number of unpaired electrons
μ=3(3+1)
μ=12
μ=3.464BM
Now, [Fe(CN6)]3−, we can see that cyanide is the ligand which has charge = −1
So, the oxidation state of Fe=+3
Atomic number of Fe = 26
The electronic configuration of Fe = [Ar]3d64s2
So, Fe+3 has electronic configuration = [Ar]3d54s0
Since cyanide is a strong ligand so it will pair up the electrons and one unpaired electron will be present.
Where, Ar = argon having atomic number =18
Here, three unpaired electrons are present,so, the magnetic moment will be;
μ=n(n+1)
Where, n= number of unpaired electrons
μ=1(1+1)
μ=2
μ=1.414BM
Now, for [Fe(CN6)]4−, we can see that cyanide is the ligand which has charge = −1
So, the oxidation state of Fe = +2
Atomic number of Fe = 26
The electronic configuration of Fe = [Ar]3d64s2
So, Fe+2 has electronic configuration = [Ar]3d64s0
Since cyanide is a strong ligand so it will pair up the electrons and one unpaired electron will be present.
Where, Ar = argon having atomic number =18
Here, no unpaired electrons are present as it is diamagnetic in nature, so, the magnetic moment of this complex will be zero.
Now, for [Zn(NH3)6]2+,we can see that ammonia is the ligand which has charge = 0
Atomic number of Zn = 30
The electronic configuration of Zn = [Ar]3d104s2
So, Zn+2 has electronic configuration = [Ar]3d10
Where, Ar = argon having atomic number = 18
Here, no unpaired electrons are present as it is diamagnetic in nature, so, the magnetic moment of this complex will be zero.
Hence, we can conclude that [Cr(NH3)6]3+ has the highest magnetic moment.
Note: The possibility to make a mistake is that you have to find the magnetic moment by the formula μ=n(n+1) not by using spin only magnetic moment formula which is μ=S(S+2).