2004 AIPMT Coordination CompoundsValence Bond Theory: Hybridisation Medium Question 86 of 104 in Coordination Compounds

Among $[Ni(CO)_4]$, $[Ni(CN)_4]^{2-}$, $[NiCl_4]^{2-}$ species, the hybridization states at the Ni atom are, respectively :- (At. No. of Ni = 28)

A $sp^3, dsp^2, sp^3$
B $sp^3, sp^3, dsp^2$
C $dsp^2, sp^3, sp^3$
D $sp^3, dsp^2, dsp^2$

The answer is A.

Solution

Ni (Z = 28): $[Ar]\,3d^8\,4s^2$
$[Ni(CO)_4]$: Ni is in the 0 state. CO is a strong field ligand, so the two 4s electrons are paired into 3d, giving $3d^{10}$. The empty 4s and three 4p orbitals give $sp^3$ hybridisation; tetrahedral and diamagnetic.
$[Ni(CN)_4]^{2-}$: $Ni^{2+} = 3d^8$. $CN^-$ is a strong field ligand, so the eight d electrons pair up into four d orbitals, leaving one 3d orbital empty. One 3d, one 4s and two 4p orbitals give $dsp^2$ hybridisation; square planar and diamagnetic.
$[NiCl_4]^{2-}$: $Ni^{2+} = 3d^8$. $Cl^-$ is a weak field ligand, so no pairing occurs and two electrons stay unpaired. The 4s and three 4p orbitals give $sp^3$ hybridisation; tetrahedral and paramagnetic.
So the hybridisation states are $sp^3$, $dsp^2$ and $sp^3$ respectively.

Concept Hybridisation in nickel complexes

Coordination Compounds in past papers

104 questions from this chapter have appeared across 27 exam years.