Transition Metals

Question 1

Why d oribitals split to 2 higher energy lvl

Answer 1

In an octahedral complex, ligands approach along x, y, z axes. Repulsion between ligand lone pairs and the e in d-orbitals raises the energy lvl of all d-orbitals. The 5 degenerate orbitals are split into 2 energy levels. dz2 and dx2-y2 orbitals have lobes that are in the region of the negative charges, so orbitals are more destabilised and higher in energy. dxy, dyz, dxz orbitals have lobes that project between the charges so less repulsion between dxy, dyz, dxz orbitals and negative charges so orbitals mess destabilised and lower in energy than dz2 and dx2-y2 orbitals

Question 2

What cu2+ has a tendency to form complexes

Answer 2

Cu2+ has a high charge density to attract ligands and have energetically accessible vacant orbitals to accept lp of e from ligands