Assignment_CTfE_H-3

Q1. [Fe(NCS)6]3- ion has five unpaired d electrons. From these results, what can you
conclude about whether each complex is a high-spin or low-spin complex? What can you say
about the placement of NCS- in the spectrochemical series? [2+2]
Q2. Predict the geometry and number of unpaired spins in the following four-coordinate
complexes: [AuBr4]- and [NiBr4]2-. Justify your answer. [4]
Q3. The standard reduction potentials for three octahedral Co(III) coordination compounds
[CoL6]3+ + e− → [CoL6]2+ Eo (V vs NHE)
with ligands, H2O, NH3, and CN− are: +1.83, +0.11, and −0.83 V versus NHE, respectively.
Using CFT, determine which of the ligands corresponds with which standard reduction
potential. Give reasons. [6]
Q4. See the following Figure that shows the stepwise stability constants (K) for [M(en)3]2+
coordination compounds of the first-row transition metals. Explain the observed trends in
the -pK plot. [6]

Q5. When the paramagnetic [Fe(CN)6]3- ion is reduced to [Fe(CN)6]4-, the ion becomes
diamagnetic. However, when the paramagnetic [FeCl4]- ion is reduced to [FeCl4]2-, the ion
remains paramagnetic. Explain these observations. [8]
Q6. The experimental magnetic moment of the complex ion, [Cr(H2O)6]3+, is given as 3.87 𝜇B
(Bohr magnetons). Comment on the validity of the 'spin only' formula for this species. [4]
Q7. Predict the number of unpaired spins in the [Cr(en)3]2+ ion. If the complex ion is
diamagnetic, use ideas from the crystal field theory to speculate on its probable structure.
[1.5,1.5]
Q8. The complex [Ni(NH3)6]2+ has a ligand field splitting of 209 kJ.mol-1 and forms a purple
solution. What is the wavelength and color of the absorbed light? [3]
Q9. Comment on the colors of an aqueous solution of zinc nitrate and compounds of Ti(IV).
Justify your answers. [1.5x2]
Q10. The compound [M(H2O)6]2+ has a single electronic transition in its d4 UV/VIS spectrum.
(i) Is this an HS or an LS complex? Explain.
(ii) Given that the energy of this electronic transition is 709 nm, calculate the splitting
parameter for M. [3+3]
Q11. Which d-orbitals on the metal ion are used to form σ-bonds between octahedral metal
ions and ligands? [2]
Q12. Which d-orbitals on the metal ion are used to form π-bonds between octahedral metal
ions and ligands? [2]
Q13. (a) Which types of ligands are π-acid ligands in general, strong-field or weak-field?
(b) Which types of ligands are π-base ligands in general, strong-field or weak-field? [2+2]
Q14. Which of the following complexes would undergo Jahn-Teller distortion?
(a) [FeCl6]3-; (b) [MnCl6]3-; (c) [CuCl6]4-; (d) [CrCl6]3-; (e) [VCl6]4-
Q15. What is meant by ‘doping’ of the conducting polymers? What is the usefulness of the
‘doping’ of a conducting polymer? [1.5,1]
Q16. Compare the natures and extents of order in the cholesteric, nematic, and smectic
liquid-crystal phases of a substance. [6]
Q17. (a) Draw the structures of:
(i) [2,2]Metacyclophane
(ii) N-allylaza[15]crown-5
(iii) Hexathia[18]Crown-6
(b) Compare the following supramolecular building blocks with examples:
(i) ‘Rotaxane’ and ‘catenane’.
(ii) ‘Podand’ and ‘lariat ether’. [3x2+2x2]
Q18. Mention one pharmaceutical and one cosmetic industry uses of cyclodextrin and also
mention the special structural features of the cyclodextrin that are exploited for these uses.
[4]
Q19. Draw the structures of and name the ‘cryptands’ that are selective for the Na+ and K+ ions
respectively. [4]
Q20. What kind of supramolecular structure can be thought of as a simplified model of a cell?
Write down the characteristic structural features of the building blocks that form this kind of
structure. [4]
Q21. Fill in the blanks with correct words. [2×4]

(i) If one dimension of the 3D nanostructure is quantum confined, it is called a

………………..
(ii) If all the three dimensions of the nanostructure are at the nanoscale, then it is called a
………………….
(iii) If two dimensions of the 3D nanostructure are at the nanoscale, then it is called a
………………….
(iv) The melting temperature of metal nanoparticles ………………… when their size
decreases.

Q22. Why do nanomaterials show properties that are substantially different from their bulk
counterparts? [6]
Q23. Mention two special properties of magnetic nanomaterials. [2+2]