Verified Solution • 2025–26 Session moderate

QJEEM24Ch3cf4: JEE Main 2024 Chemistry - Class 12 JEEM24Ch3cf4 Solution: Given below are two statements : Statement (I) : A solution of…

Given below are two statements :

Statement (I) : A solution of [Ni(H2O)6]2+\left[\mathrm{Ni}\left(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\right)_6\right]^{2+} is green in colour.

Statement (II) : A solution of [Ni(CN)4]2−\left[\mathrm{Ni}(\mathrm{CN})_4\right]^{2-} is colourless.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

Multiple Choice Options

  • A Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
  • B Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
  • C Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
  • D Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

In order to determine the correctness of the given statements, we need to analyze the nature of the mentioned complexes.

Statement (I) asserts that a solution of [Ni(H2O)6]2+\left[\mathrm{Ni}\left(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\right)_6\right]^{2+} is green in color. This complex involves a nickel(II) cation coordinated with six water molecules. Nickel(II) has the electronic configuration [Ar]3d8[Ar]3d^8 . In an octahedral field created by water ligands, the d-orbitals split into two sets, t2gt_{2g} and ege_g , due to crystal field splitting. The presence of unpaired electrons allows for d-d transitions when light is absorbed, which is responsible for the characteristic color of the complex. Since typical [Ni(H2O)6]2+\left[\mathrm{Ni}\left(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\right)_6\right]^{2+} complexes are indeed green in color due to such transitions, Statement (I) is correct.

Statement (II) states that a solution of [Ni(CN)4]2−\left[\mathrm{Ni}(\mathrm{CN})_4\right]^{2-} is colorless. In this complex, nickel(II) is surrounded by four cyanide ligands. Cyanide is a strong field ligand, which leads to a large crystal field splitting that exceeds the pairing energy of the electrons. Hence, all the electrons in the nickel(II) ion are paired, and there are no unpaired electrons available for d-d transitions. As there are no d-d transitions to absorb light in the visible region, the complex appears colorless. Therefore, Statement (II) is also correct.

Given that both statements are correct, the most appropriate answer would be :

Option B : Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

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