Which of the following is the correct order of the strength of \(\pi \)-acceptor ligands?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is option (1) CN− < RNC < CO < NO+.
The strength of a \(\pi \)-acceptor ligand is determined by the electronegativity of the ligand. The more electronegative the ligand, the stronger the pi-acceptor.
In the list of ligands given, CN− is the most electronegative, followed by RNC, CO, and NO+. Therefore, the order of pi-acceptor strength is CN− < RNC < CO < NO+.
The explanation for the order is as follows:
CN− is the most electronegative ligand because it has a negative charge, which attracts electrons to the ligand.
RNC is less electronegative than CN− because it has a triple bond, which makes the electrons more localized.
CO is less electronegative than RNC because it has a double bond, which makes the electrons more delocalized.
NO+ is the least electronegative ligand because it has a positive charge, which pulls electrons away from the ligand.
Therefore, the order of \(\pi \)-acceptor strength is CN− < RNC < CO < NO+.