Question

Show by means of energy orbital diagrams how sodium hexachlorovanadate(II) exists as a
magnetic transition metal compound whereas tris(ethylenediammine)nickel(IV) nitrate is
unaffected by a magnetic field.

Answer 1

Solution.

1.

Na4[VCl6]

Z(V) = 2+

Cl - is a weak field ligand, so such a complex will be high-spin.

According to the graph, the magnetic moment of this complex is equal to 1.5.

2.

[Ni(en)3](NO3)4

Z(Ni) = 4+

Ethylenediamine(en) is a strong field ligand, hence this complex is low-spin.

According to the graph, the magnetic moment of this complex is equal to 0.

Answer:

The first complex is a compound of a magnetic transition metal, since the structure of this complex has unpaired electrons that cause the magnetic moment of the complex.

The second complex is a compound of a non-magnetic transition metal, since there are no unpaired electrons in the structure of this complex that would cause the magnetic moment of the complex.