In crystal field theory, complexes may be considered high-spin or low-spin depending on the order of orbital filling. However, low-spin tetrahedral complexes are rarely observed. Which of the following best explains why?
W) Ligands coordinated to a tetrahedral center are spaced too far apart for efficient electron pairing
X) In tetrahedral complexes, the field splitting parameter is too small to outweigh electron-electron repulsion within orbitals
Y) Low-spin tetrahedral complexes are unstable and rapidly dimerize to form hexavalent centers
Z) Strong field ligands that would produce low-spin complexes can only form square planar structures
✔️Answer:X) In tetrahedral complexes, the field splitting parameter is too small to outweigh electron-electron repulsion within orbitals
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