Crystal field splitting refers to the energy difference between d-orbitals in a transition metal complex when ligands approach and interact with the central metal ion. This interaction causes the degeneracy of the d-orbitals to break, leading to different energy levels.
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The magnitude of crystal field splitting depends on the nature of the ligands and their arrangement around the central metal ion.
In an octahedral field, $d_{z^2}$ and $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbitals experience higher energy (eg set) compared to $d_{xy}$, $d_{xz}$, and $d_{yz}$ orbitals (t2g set).
The crystal field splitting energy ($\Delta$) can be measured using spectroscopic techniques.
Strong-field ligands cause a larger splitting ($\Delta$), often leading to low-spin complexes, while weak-field ligands cause smaller splitting, resulting in high-spin complexes.
Tetrahedral complexes typically have smaller crystal field splitting compared to octahedral complexes due to less direct interaction with ligands.
Review Questions
What factors influence the magnitude of crystal field splitting?
In an octahedral coordination complex, which d-orbitals are at higher energy after crystal field splitting?
How does ligand strength affect whether a complex is high-spin or low-spin?