Amongst the following ions? Which one has the highest magnetic moment value: (i) [Cr(H2O)6]3+ (ii) [Fe(H2O)6]2+ (iii) [Zn(H2O)6]2+

Question

Amongst the following ions?

Which one has the highest magnetic moment value:
(i) [Cr(H2O)6]^{3+}
(ii) [Fe(H2O)6]^{2+}
(iii) [Zn(H2O)6]^{2+}

🧐 Not the exact question you are looking for?Go ask a question

Solution

The magnetic moment of a complex ion is determined by the number of unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals of the central metal ion. The more unpaired electrons, the higher the magnetic moment.

(i) [Cr(H2O)6]3+: Chromium in this complex is in the +3 oxidation state. The electronic configuration of Cr is [Ar] 3d5 4s1. In the +3 oxidation state, it becomes [Ar] 3d3. Therefore, there are 3 unpaired electrons.

(ii) [Fe(H2O)6]2+: Iron in this complex is in the +2 oxidation state. The electronic configuration of Fe is [Ar] 3d6 4s2. In the +2 oxidation state, it becomes [Ar] 3d6. Therefore, there are 4 unpaired electrons.

(iii) [Zn(H2O)6]2+: Zinc in this complex is in the +2 oxidation state. The electronic configuration of Zn is [Ar] 3d10 4s2. In the +2 oxidation state, it becomes [Ar] 3d10. Therefore, there are no unpaired electrons.

So, [Fe(H2O)6]2+ has the highest magnetic moment value because it has the most unpaired electrons.

This problem has been solved

Upgrade your grade with Knowee

Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.

Amongst the following ions? Which one has the highest magnetic moment value: (i) [Cr(H2O)6]3+ (ii) [Fe(H2O)6]2+ (iii) [Zn(H2O)6]2+

Question