Read the passage carefully and answer the Questions.

According to Valence Bond theory, the metal atom or ion under the influence of ligands can use its (n-1)d, ns, np or ns, np, nd orbitals for hybridisation to yield a set of equivalent orbitals of definite geometry such as octahedral, tetrahedral, square planar and so on. These hybridised orbitals are allowed to overlap with ligand orbitals that can donate electron pairs for bonding. While the VB theory, to a larger extent, explains the formation, structures and magnetic behaviour of coordination compounds, it suffers from the many shortcomings. The crystal field theory (CFT) is an electrostatic model which considers the metal-ligand bond to be ionic arising purely from electrostatic interactions between the metal ion and the ligand. The five d orbitals in an isolated gaseous metal atom/ion have same energy, i.e., they are degenerate. This degeneracy is maintained if a spherically symmetrical field of negative charges surrounds the metal atom/ion. However, when this negative field is due to ligands in a complex, it becomes asymmetrical and the degeneracy of the d orbitals is lifted. It results in splitting of the d orbitals. The pattern of splitting depends upon the nature of the crystal field.

Select the incorrect statement about the Crystal field splitting in octahedral complexes.

$d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $d_{z^2}$ orbitals point towards the axes along the direction of the ligand will experience less repulsion

The correct answer is Option (1) → $d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $d_{z^2}$ orbitals point towards the axes along the direction of the ligand will experience less repulsion

Let’s analyze the statements about octahedral crystal field splitting:

1. dx²−y² and dz² orbitals point towards the axes along the direction of ligands → experience more repulsion 
• The statement says less repulsion, which is incorrect. These orbitals are along the axes, so they experience more repulsion → form e_g set (higher energy).
2. d_xy, d_yz, d_xz orbitals are directed between axes → lowered in energy →  Correct (t_2g set)
3. Degeneracy of d orbitals removed → t_2g set (3 orbitals lower in energy) →  Correct
4. Degeneracy removed → e_g set (2 orbitals higher in energy) →  Correct