Considering $H_2O$ as a weak field ligand, the number of unpaired electrons in $[Mn(H_2O)_6]^{2+}$ will be – (At. no. of Mn = 25)
A
Five
B
Two
C
Four
D
Three
The answer is A.
Solution
Electronic configuration of Mn (Z = 25): $[Ar]\,3d^5\,4s^2$ In $[Mn(H_2O)_6]^{2+}$, Mn is in the +2 state: $Mn^{2+} = [Ar]\,3d^5$ $H_2O$ is a weak field ligand, so the crystal field splitting $\Delta_o$ is smaller than the pairing energy. Electrons occupy the $t_{2g}$ and $e_g$ orbitals singly before pairing (high spin). Configuration: $t_{2g}^3\,e_g^2$, with all five electrons unpaired. So the number of unpaired electrons is five (magnetic moment about 5.92 BM).
ConceptHigh spin d5 complex
Crystal field theory in past papers
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