What can be inferred from the magnetic moment values of the following complex species?
Example Magnetic Moment (BM)
K4[Mn(CN)6] 2.2
[Fe(H2O)6]2+ 5.3
K2[MnCl4] 5.9
Magnetic moment $(\mu)$ is given as $\mu=\sqrt{n(n+2)}$.
For value $n=1, \mu=\sqrt{1(1+2)}=\sqrt{3}=1.732$.
For value $n=2, \mu=\sqrt{2(2+2)}=\sqrt{8}=2.83$.
For value $n=3, \mu=\sqrt{3(3+2)}=\sqrt{15}=3.87$.
For value $n=4, \mu=\sqrt{4(4+2)}=\sqrt{24}=4.899$.
For value $n=5, \mu=\sqrt{5(5+2)}=\sqrt{35}=5.92$.
(i) K4[Mn(CN)6]
For in transition metals, the magnetic moment is calculated from the spin-only formula. Therefore,
$\sqrt{n(n+2)}=2.2$
We can see from the above calculation that the given value is closest to. Also, in this complex, Mn is in the +2 oxidation state. This means that Mn has 5 electrons in the d-orbital.
Hence, we can say that CN− is a strong field ligand that causes the pairing of electrons.
(ii) [Fe(H2O)6]2+
$\sqrt{n(n+2)}=5.3$
We can see from the above calculation that the given value is closest to. Also, in this complex, Fe is in the +2 oxidation state. This means that Fe has 6 electrons in the d-orbital.
Hence, we can say that H2O is a weak field ligand and does not cause the pairing of electrons.
(iii) K2[MnCl4]
$\sqrt{n(n+2)}=5.9$
We can see from the above calculation that the given value is closest to $n=5$. Also, in this complex, $M n$ is in the $+2$ oxidation state. This means that Mn has 5 electrons in the $d$-orbital.
Hence, we can say that Cl− is a weak field ligand and does not cause the pairing of electrons.