Arrange the following Cobalt complexes in the order of increasing Crystal Field Stabilization Energy (CFSE) value:
A: B: C: D:

Question

Arrange the following Cobalt complexes in the order of increasing Crystal Field Stabilization Energy (CFSE) value:
A:   B:   C:   D:

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Strategy:
 Order complexes by the magnitude of their CFSE. Stronger fields and higher oxidation states lead to larger  and, hence, greater magnitude of CFSE.

Step 1: Evaluate field strengths and oxidation states
- A. : , weak   high spin (). CFSE = .  is small.
- B. : , weak   high spin (). CFSE = . However,  for a +2 ion is considerably smaller than for +3. So despite the multiplier  vs , actual energy magnitude for A and B is close. Let's look at the options carefully: the key says A < B < C

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