what is crystal field theory
Answers
Crystal Field Theory (CFT) is a model that describes the breaking of degeneracies of electron orbital states, usually d or f orbitals, due to a static electric field produced by a surrounding charge distribution (anion neighbors). This theory has been used to describe various spectroscopies of transition metal coordination complexes, in particular optical spectra (colors). CFT successfully accounts for some magnetic properties, colors, hydration enthalpies, and spinel structures of transition metal complexes, but it does not attempt to describe bonding. CFT was developed by physicists Hans Bethe and John Hasbrouck van Vleck[1] in the 1930s. CFT was subsequently combined with molecular orbital theory to form the more realistic and complex ligand field theory (LFT), which delivers insight into the process of chemical bonding in transition metal complexes.
✨ Answer ✨
The Crystal Field Theory (CFT) is a model for the bonding interaction between transition metals and ligands. It describes the effect of the attraction between the positive charge of the metal cation and negative charge on the non-bonding electrons of the ligand. When the ligands approach the central metal ion, the degeneracy of electronic orbital states, usually d or f orbitals, are broken due to the static electric field produced by a surrounding charge distribution. CFT successfully accounts for some magnetic properties, colors, and hydration energies of transition metal complexes, but it does not attempt to describe bonding.