Question:medium

Arrange the given ligands $H_2O (A), NCS^- (B), OH^- (C), N^{3-} (D)$ in the order of increasing field strength.

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{Common Order:} Halogens<$OH^-$<$H_2O$<$NH_3$<$CN^-$<$CO$. Remember water is in the middle (boundary between weak and strong for some metals).
Updated On: Jun 9, 2026
  • B, A, C, D
  • D, C, A, B
  • D, A, C, B
  • B, C, A, D
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Spectrochemical Series:
The splitting power of ligands increases in the order: $I^- \textless Br^- \textless SCN^- \textless Cl^- \textless S^{2-} \textless F^- \textless OH^- \textless C_2O_4^{2-} \textless H_2O \textless NCS^- \textless EDTA \textless NH_3 \textless en \textless CN^- \textless CO$.
Step 2: Identify Ligands:
A: $H_2O$ (Aqua) B: $NCS^-$ (Isothiocyanato - N bonded). Stronger field than water. C: $OH^-$ (Hydroxo). Weaker field than water. D: $N^{3-}$ (Given in text). In the context of this specific question and answer key, it is placed as the weakest ligand (possibly representing Azide $N_3^-$ or a specific experimental order).
Step 3: Arrangement:
Comparing A, B, C: $OH^- (C) \textless H_2O (A) \textless NCS^- (B)$. This sequence ($C \textless A \textless B$) is found only in Option (B). Therefore, the order is $D \textless C \textless A \textless B$.
Step 4: Final Answer:
D, C, A, B.
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