ChemistryInorganic: Coordination Compounds

The complex [Ni(CN)4]2- is diamagnetic and the complex [NiCl4]2- is p…

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

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

$[N i (C N)_{4}]^{2 -}$ is a square planar geometry formed by $d s p^{2}$ hybridisation and not tetrahedral by sp³.

$In [N i C l_{4}]^{2 -}$ , there is $N i^{2 +}$ ion, However, in the presence of weak field $C l^{-}$ ligands, NO pairing of d-electrons occurs. Therefore, $N i^{2 +}$ undergoes $s p^{3}$ hybridization to make bonds with $C l^{-}$ ligands in tetrahedral geometry.