What is the number of unpaired electrons in an octahedral,high-spin Co(III)complex?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 5

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An octahedral, high-spin Co(III) complex will have a d6 electron configuration with six electrons in the d orbitals. Since Co(III) has lost three electrons from the neutral atom configuration, we need to remove three electrons from the d orbitals. Starting with the lowest energy level, we remove one electron from each d orbital, leaving us with four unpaired electrons in the d orbitals. Therefore, the answer is 4, which corresponds to choice D.

What Is the Number of Unpaired Electrons in an Octahedral,high-Spin