Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Inorganic: Coordination Compounds

Question:

The complex [Ni(CN)4]2- is diamagnetic and the complex [NiCl4]2- is paramagnetic. What can you conclude about their molecular geometries?

Options:

Both complexes have square planar geometries.

Both complexes have tetrahedral geometries

[NiCl4]2- has a square planar geometry while [Ni(CN)4]2- has a tetrahedral geometry.

[NiCl4]2- has a tetrahedral geometry while [Ni(CN)4]2- has a square planar geometry.

Correct Answer:

[NiCl4]2- has a tetrahedral geometry while [Ni(CN)4]2- has a square planar geometry.

Explanation:

[Ni(CN)4]2 is a square planar geometry formed by dsp2 hybridisation and not tetrahedral by sp3.

In [NiCl4]2, there is Ni2+ ion, However, in the presence of weak field Cl ligands, NO pairing of d-electrons occurs. Therefore, Ni2+ undergoes sp3 hybridization to make bonds with Cl ligands in tetrahedral geometry.