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Question 43

Which of the following cannot be explained by crystal field theory?

Solution

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Limitations of Crystal Field Theory:

  • The Problem with Ligands: CFT treats ligands as simple point charges and ignores any covalent character in the metal-ligand bond.
  • Spectrochemical Series Paradox: According to the point-charge model, anionic ligands (like $$I^{-}$$) or ($$OH^{-}$$) should create a larger splitting than neutral molecules (like $$H_{2}O$$) or ($$CO$$). However, the experimental spectrochemical series shows the opposite.
  • Covalency: CFT cannot explain why certain neutral ligands (like $$CO$$) are "strong field" because it doesn't account for the overlapping of orbitals or $$\ \pi\ $$-bonding, which requires Ligand Field Theory (LFT).

    • What CFT can explain:

    • Magnetic properties (B): By looking at high-spin vs. low-spin electron configurations.
    • Colour (C): Through $$d-d$$ electronic transitions.
    • Stability (D): Via Crystal Field Stabilization Energy (CFSE).

    The correct answer is A: The order of spectrochemical series.

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