Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Inorganic: Coordination Compounds

Question:

Arrange the following complexes in increasing order of their magnetic moment

(A) $[Cr(H_2O)_6]^{3+}$
(B) $[Co(NH_3)_6]^{3+}$
(C) $[FeCl_6]^{4-}$
(D) $[Mn(CN)_6]^{3-}$

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Options:

(C), (D), (A), (B)

(B), (D), (A), (C)

(B), (A), (C), (D)

(C), (A), (B), (D)

Correct Answer:

(B), (D), (A), (C)

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → (B), (D), (A), (C)

Detailed calculation of unpaired electrons and magnetic moment:

Complex

Metal

Oxidation state

d-electron count

Geometry

Unpaired electrons

Spin-only μ (B.M.)

(B) [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺

Co³⁺

+3

d⁶

Octahedral, strong field (NH₃)

0 (low-spin)

0

(D) [Mn(CN)₆]³⁻

Mn³⁺

+3

d⁴

Octahedral, strong field (CN⁻)

2 (low-spin)

2.83

(A) [Cr(H₂O)₆]³⁺

Cr³⁺

+3

Octahedral

3

3.87

(C) [FeCl₆]⁴⁻

Fe²⁺

+2

d⁶

Octahedral, very weak field (Cl⁻)

4 (high-spin)

4.90

Increasing order of magnetic moment:

0 < 2.83 < 3.87 < 4.90 B.M.

So: (B) < (D) < (A) < (C)