Crystal Field Theory
In an octahedral crystal field, the d-orbitals split into:
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- coordination compounds
- Topic
- crystal field theory
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
t₂g (lower) and eg (higher)
According to Crystal Field Theory (CFT), when ligands approach the central metal in an octahedral geometry (along the x, y, z axes):
- The dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands and experience greater repulsion. Their energy increases; they are called eg orbitals.
- The dxy,dyz, and dzx orbitals point between the axes, experiencing less repulsion. Their energy is lower; they are called t2g orbitals.
- This separation of energy levels is known as Crystal Field Splitting (Δo).
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter coordination compounds, covering the topic of crystal field theory. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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