Complete removal of both the axial ligands (along the z-axis) from an octahedral complex leads to which of the following splitting patterns?
(This gives a square planar complex — the correct pattern s

Question

Complete removal of both the axial ligands (along the z-axis) from an octahedral complex leads to which of the following splitting patterns?
(This gives a square planar complex — the correct pattern shows  dropping below , with  above /)

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Strategy:
 Analyze the effect on the d-orbital energies when moving from an octahedral geometry to a square planar geometry by removing ligands along the z-axis.

Step 1: Impact of removing z-axis ligands
In a perfect octahedral field, the  set (, ) is highest in energy because they point directly at the ligands.
If we remove the two ligands on the z-axis, the repulsion on any orbital with a z-component decreases drastically.
-  drops significantly in energy.
-  and  also drop slightly in energy

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