Δoct
Definition
Δoct, also known as crystal field splitting energy, represents the energy difference between the higher-energy and lower-energy sets of d-orbitals in an octahedral coordination complex. It plays a crucial role in determining the electronic structure and properties of transition metal complexes.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Δoct is influenced by both the metal ion and the ligands surrounding it.
- A large Δoct generally leads to low-spin configurations, while a small Δoct leads to high-spin configurations.
- The magnitude of Δoct can be experimentally determined using spectroscopic methods such as UV-Vis spectroscopy.
- Δoct is larger for complexes with strong-field ligands like CN⁻ and smaller for those with weak-field ligands like I⁻.
- The value of Δoct affects not only electronic transitions but also magnetic properties of coordination compounds.
Review Questions
- What factors influence the magnitude of Δoct in an octahedral complex?
- How does Δoct affect the spin state (high-spin vs. low-spin) of a coordination compound?
- Which type of spectroscopic method can be used to determine the value of Δoct?
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Related terms
High-Spin Complex: A coordination complex where electrons occupy higher-energy orbitals, resulting from a small crystal field splitting energy (Δ).
Low-Spin Complex: A coordination complex where electrons pair up in lower-energy orbitals, due to a large crystal field splitting energy (Δ).
Ligand Field Theory: An extension of Crystal Field Theory that takes into account covalent as well as ionic aspects of metal-ligand interactions.
