Question:medium

The crystal field theory is successful in explaining which of the following?
I. Ligands as point charges
II. Formation and structures of complexes
III. Colour
IV. Magnetic properties
V. Covalent character of metal-ligand bonding

Show Hint

Crystal Field Theory mainly explains colour, magnetic properties, and geometries of coordination compounds, but it cannot explain covalent bonding between metal and ligands.
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • I, II, III only
  • II, III, IV only
  • III, IV, V only
  • II, IV, V only
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the basis of Crystal Field Theory.
Crystal Field Theory treats the bond between a central metal ion and its ligands as a purely electrostatic attraction, with ligands acting as point charges or point dipoles. We test each listed item against what this theory can explain.
Step 2: Test statement II, formation and structures of complexes.
CFT explains how the $d$ orbitals split in octahedral and tetrahedral fields and so accounts for the geometries and relative stabilities of complexes. So II is explained.
Step 3: Test statement III, colour.
The splitting of $d$ orbitals creates an energy gap; electrons jumping across this gap absorb visible light, which gives the complex its colour. So III is explained.
Step 4: Test statement IV, magnetic properties.
Depending on the size of the splitting, complexes are high spin or low spin, which fixes the number of unpaired electrons and the magnetic behaviour. So IV is explained.
Step 5: Test statements I and V.
Treating ligands as point charges (I) is an assumption of the model, not a property it explains, and covalent character of metal-ligand bonding (V) is exactly what CFT ignores since it is purely electrostatic. So I and V are not successes of CFT.
Step 6: Conclude.
The properties CFT successfully explains are II, III and IV. The answer is
\[ \boxed{II,\; III,\; IV\ \text{only}} \]
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