Complete the exercises below. Identify each of the following coordination complexes as either diamagnetic or paramagnetic: a. [ZnCl₄]²⁻ b. [Pd(NH₃)₂ Cl₂]

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Determine the oxidation state of the central metal ion in each complex. For [ZnCl₄]²⁻, zinc typically has an oxidation state of +2. For [Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂], palladium can have an oxidation state of +2.
2. Step 2: Identify the electron configuration of the central metal ion in its oxidation state. For Zn²⁺, the electron configuration is [Ar] 3d¹⁰. For Pd²⁺, the electron configuration is [Kr] 4d⁸.
3. Step 3: Determine the number of unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals of the central metal ion. Zn²⁺ with a 3d¹⁰ configuration has no unpaired electrons, while Pd²⁺ with a 4d⁸ configuration needs further analysis.
4. Step 4: Analyze the ligand field and the geometry of the complex. [ZnCl₄]²⁻ is tetrahedral, and [Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂] is square planar. Tetrahedral complexes often have high spin, but since Zn²⁺ has no unpaired electrons, it is diamagnetic. Square planar complexes like [Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂] often lead to low spin configurations.
5. Step 5: Conclude the magnetic properties based on unpaired electrons. [ZnCl₄]²⁻ is diamagnetic due to no unpaired electrons. For [Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂], check if the 4d⁸ configuration in a square planar field results in unpaired electrons to determine if it is paramagnetic or diamagnetic.

Key Concepts

Coordination Complexes

Coordination complexes consist of a central metal atom or ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions, known as ligands. The nature of these bonds and the arrangement of ligands around the metal center can significantly influence the properties of the complex, including its magnetic behavior.

Magnetism in Coordination Complexes

Coordination complexes can be classified as diamagnetic or paramagnetic based on the presence of unpaired electrons. Diamagnetic complexes have all electrons paired, resulting in no net magnetic moment, while paramagnetic complexes contain unpaired electrons, leading to a net magnetic moment and attraction to magnetic fields.

Electron Configuration and d-Orbitals

The electron configuration of the central metal ion, particularly the distribution of electrons in its d-orbitals, is crucial for determining the magnetic properties of coordination complexes. Transition metals can exhibit different oxidation states and coordination geometries, affecting the number of unpaired electrons and thus the complex's magnetic characteristics.