The square planar geometry is preferred over tetrahedral when A) metal has a d⁸ electronic configuration with strong field ligands. B) the ligands are early in the spectrochemical series. C) the metal is in low oxidation state.

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Square planar geometry is favored by metals with a dsp^2 (d^8) electronic configuration, especially when paired with strong field ligands, which can lead to a more stable electronic arrangement due to the pairing of electrons in the lower energy d orbitals.

The Square Planar Geometry Is Preferred Over Tetrahedral When