Question

Both [Ni(CO)₄] and [Ni(CN)₄]²⁻ are diamagnetic. The
hybridisations of nickel in these complexes, respectively,
are
(a) sp³, sp³ (b) sp³, dsp²(c) dsp², sp³ (d) dsp², sp²

Answer 1

Both [Ni(CO)₄] and [Ni(CN)₄]²⁻ are diamagnetic. The

hybridisations of nickel in these complexes, respectively,

are

(a) sp³, sp³

(b) sp³, dsp²

(c) dsp², sp³

(d) dsp², sp²

Answer 2

The hybridization of nickel in these complexes, respectively, are sp3 and dsp2.

• Nickel is in (0) oxidation state in complex 1 and in (+2) oxidation state in complex 2.
• Nickel has a (d10) configuration in complex 1 and (d8) configuration in the second complex.
• CN- is a strong electron donor, so it enables pairing and therefore complex 2 has a dsp2 hybridization, while complex 1 has no empty d orbitals , so has to have a sp3 hybridization.