Which of the following is the correct statement about the Valence Bond Theory?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → It explains the formation of inner orbital and outer orbital complexes.
Valence bond theory explains the formation of inner orbital complexes, which use (n−1)d orbitals (d2sp3, low spin), and outer orbital complexes, which use nd orbitals (sp3d2, high spin). Options (1), (2) and (4) describe things the theory cannot do.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) It gives a quantitative interpretation of magnetic data. — Incorrect. VBT explains magnetic behaviour only qualitatively (paramagnetic or diamagnetic, from the number of unpaired electrons), not quantitatively.
Option (2) It explains the colour exhibited by coordination compounds. — Incorrect. VBT cannot explain colour; crystal field theory explains it through d–d transitions.
Option (4) It gives a quantitative interpretation of the thermodynamic or kinetic stabilities of coordination compounds. — Incorrect. VBT describes bonding only through hybridisation and gives no measure of the energy of the metal–ligand bonds, so it cannot interpret stability quantitatively.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Magnetic Properties of Coordination Compounds – …
Limitations of Valence Bond Theory
