The complex [Ni(CN)₄]^2- is diamagnetic and the complex [NiCl₄]^2- is paramagnetic.What can you conclude about their molecular geometries? A)Both complexes have square planar geometries. B)Both complexes have tetrahedral geometries. C)[NiCl₄]^2- has a square planar geometry while [Ni(CN)₄]^2- has a tetrahedral geometry. D)[NiCl₄]^2- has a tetrahedral geometry while [Ni(CN)₄]^2- has a square planar geometry.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diamagnetic complexes have all electrons paired up, indicating a tetrahedral or square planar geometry. Paramagnetic complexes have unpaired electrons, indicating a tetrahedral or octahedral geometry. Since [Ni(CN)₄]^2- is diamagnetic and [NiCl₄]^2- is paramagnetic, we can conclude that [Ni(CN)₄]^2- has a tetrahedral geometry (all electrons are paired) and [NiCl₄]^2- has a square planar geometry (one or more electrons are unpaired). Therefore, the answer is D.

The Complex [Ni(CN)4]2- Is Diamagnetic and the Complex [NiCl4]2- Is

The Complex [Ni(CN)₄]^2- Is Diamagnetic and the Complex [NiCl₄]^2- Is