Question

Low spin configuration are rarely observed in tetrahedral coordination entity formation. Explain.

Answer 1

Hey buddy,

I assume you want to know the reason why.

# Reason-

- Generally, the energy gap between two levels(Δt) of tetrahedral complexes is less than the pairing energy.

- In these complexes, electrons will move up to the higher energy orbitals rather than pair. Because of this, most tetrahedral complexes are high spin.

- Also sp3 hybridization in tetrahedral complexes promotes retention of unpaired electrons and thus high spins.

Hope this is useful...