VBTMediumQuestion 740005
Question
In [NiCl₄]²⁻, Ni²⁺ is sp³ hybridised. This complex is:
- ATetrahedral and paramagneticCorrect
- BSquare planar and diamagnetic
- COctahedral
- DLinear
Correct answer
Tetrahedral and paramagnetic
Explanation
Ni²⁺ has d⁸ configuration. With weak field Cl⁻ ligands: sp³ hybridisation → tetrahedral geometry. Unpaired electrons remain → paramagnetic. Compare with [Ni(CN)₄]²⁻ (dsp² hybridisation, square planar, diamagnetic) due to strong CN⁻.