9.15 Discuss the nature of bonding in the following coordination entities on the basis of valence bond theory:

(i) [Fe(CN)6]4–        (ii) [FeF6]3–         

(iii) [Co(C2O4)3]3–            (iv) [CoF6]3–

(i) Fe(CN)64-

 In the above coordination complex, iron exists in the +II oxidation state.
Fe2+ : Electronic configuration is as follows:

     Fe2+ = 3d6

As CN- is a strong field ligand, it causes the pairing of the unpaired 3d electrons.

Since there are six ligands around the central metal ion, the most feasible hybridization is d2sp3 . 

6 electron pairs from CN- ions occupy the six hybrid d2sp3
Then,

Hence, the geometry of the complex is octahedral and the complex is diamagnetic (as there are no unpaired electrons).

(ii) FeF63-

In this complex, the oxidation state of Fe is +3. The orbital diagram of Fe3+ is as follows: 
Fe3+ = 3d5 ; 

There are 6F- ions. Thus, it will undergo d2sp3 or sp3d2 hybridization. As F- is a weak field ligand, it does not cause the pairing of the electrons in the 3d orbital. Hence, the most feasible hybridization is sp3d2  

 sp3d2 hybridized orbitals of Fe are:

Hence, the geometry of the complex is found to be octahedral. 

(iii) [Co(C2O4)3]3–

Cobalt exists in the +3 oxidation state in the given complex.
The orbital diagram of Co3+ is as follows:

 Co3+ = 3d6 ; 

Oxalate is a weak field ligand. Therefore, it cannot cause the pairing of the 3d orbital electrons. Hence, the hybridization is sp3d2

Hence, the geometry of the complex is found to be octahedral.

(iv) [CoF6]3–

Cobalt exists in the +3 oxidation state. The orbital diagram of Co3+ is as follows:

Co3+ = 3d3;  

Again, the fluoride ion is a weak field ligand. It cannot cause the pairing of the 3d electrons. As a result, the Co3+ ion will undergo sp3d2 hybridization. 


Hence, the geometry of the complex is octahedral.