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QJEEM22Chf06c: JEE Main 2022 Chemistry - Class 12 JEEM22Chf06c Solution: Octahedral complexes of copper(II) undergo structural…

Octahedral complexes of copper(II) undergo structural distortion (Jahn-Teller). Which one of the given copper (II) complexes will show the maximum structural distortion? (en - ethylenediamine; H2 N−CH2−CH2−NH2)

Multiple Choice Options

  • A [Cu(H2O)6]SO4
  • B [Cu(en)(H2O)4]SO4
  • C cis-[Cu(en)2Cl2]
  • D trans-[Cu(en)2Cl2]

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

According to John teller any nonlinear molecular system in a degenerate electronic state will be unstable and will undergo some kind of distortion which will lower its symmetry and energy and split the degenerate state.

In case of octahedral d9 configuration, the last electron may occupy either d2 or dx2y2 orbitals of eg set.

If it occupies dz2 orbital most of the electron density will be concentrated between the metal and the two ligands on the z axis. Thus there will be greater electrostatic repulsion associated with these ligands than with the other four on xy plane.

The Jahn Teller effect is mostly observed in octahedral environments. The considerable distortions are usually observed in high spin d4, low spin d7 and d9 configuration.

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