Question
[Fe(H2O)6]3+ is strongly paramagnetic whereas [Fe(CN)6]3– is weakly paramagnetic. Explain.

Answer

In presence of CN, (a strong ligand) the 3d electrons pair up leaving only one unpaired electron. The hybridisation is d2sp3 forming inner orbital complex. In the presence of H2O, (a weak ligand), 3d electrons do not pair up. The hybridisation is sp3d2 forming an outer orbital complex containing five unpaired electrons, thus greater the number of unpaired electrons more is the paramagnetic behavior.

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