Dr.Trupti B. Darji.

B.Sc. SEM-VI
US06CCHE22 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Unit-3(A) Term Symbol (B) Electronic spectra of metal complexes

QUANTUM NUMBER: To completely describe an electron in an atom, four quantum numbers

are needed: energy (n), angular momentum (ℓ), magnetic moment (mℓ), and spin (ms).
The first quantum number describes the electron shell, or energy level, of an atom. The value
of n ranges from 1 to the shell containing the outermost electron of that atom.

Number Symbol Possible Values

Principle Quantum Number N 1, 2, 3, 4, ….

Angular Momentum Quantum Number L 0, 1, 2, 3, …, (n-1)

Magnetic Quantum Number ml -l, …, -1, 0, +1, …, +l

Spin Quantum Number ms +1/2, -1/2

n l Ml Number of Orbital Number of

orbitals Name electrons

1 0 0 1 1s 2

0 0 1 2s 2
2
1 -1, 0, +1 3 2p 6

0 0 1 3s 2
3
1 -1, 0, +1 3 3p 6

2 -2, -1, 0, +1, +2 5 3d 10

0 0 1 4s 2

1 -1, 0, +1 3 4p 6
4
2 -2, -1, 0, +1, +2 5 4d 10

3 -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3 7 4f 14

1
Term Symbols
“The symbol which indicates electronic configuration & different energy states of atom is called
term symbol.”
Term symbol represented as 2S+1LJ
HN Russell and FA Saunders introduced a system to fully represent the position of electrons in
an atom. According to this method, in a multi-electron system, many different arrangements of
electrons is possible. Term symbol is given for ground state arrangement which follow all the
law i.e. Hund, Pauli, Aufbau etc,. Term symbol is assign using R-S coupling scale or L-S coupling
scale.
The Russell-Saunders coupling scheme (or R-S coupling or L-S coupling):
It is applied to smaller atoms (Z < 30) having less interactions between spin and orbital angular
momentum.
The term symbol for ground state configuration is in the form of 2S+1LJ
Where, 2S + 1 is spin multiplicity
L is orbital angular momentum
J is total angular momentum
All above terms are determined by calculating
(1) s-s coupling which give total spin angular momentum (S)

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(2) l-l coupling which give total orbital angular momentum (L)
(3) L-S coupling which give total angular momentum (J)
(1) s-s coupling (S): The value of the resulting spin angular momentum is obtained from the
unpaired electrons in the outer orbit of the atom.
Total spin angular momentum (S) = Total available spin = s1 + s2 + s3 ….
Example: P3
↑ ↑ ↑

+1 0 -1
S = s1 + s2 + s3 ….
= 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 = 3/2
Using value of S, spin multiplicity can be dermine as
2S + 1 = 2(3/2) + 1 = 3
Hence spin angular momentum is sum of spin of each unpaired electron. (Paired electrons
spins are cancel due to the opposite spin).
(2) l-l coupling (L): It give total orbital angular momentum which is total of the orbital angular
momentum l of each electron.
L = ml1 + ml2 + ml3….
Value of L is assigned by term given below in term symbol.
L 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Term S P D F G H I

Example: For d7

↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑
ml = +2 +1 0 -1 -2

L = number of electron x angular momentum = n x ml

= 2(+2) + 2(+1) + 1(0) + 1(-1) + 1(-2)
=4+2+0-1-2=3=f

(3) L-S coupling: The total orbital angular momentum (L) is coupled with the total spin angular
momentum (S) to give total angular momentum (J). Hence value of J are range from L+S to L-
S.
J = (L + S) ……(L – S)
Example: For P2 we have value of S =1 and L =1
⸫ J = (L + S)…….. (L – S)
= (1 + 1)………(1 – 1)

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 = 2……0
= 2, 1, 0
For less than half-filled orbital, minimum value of J will be used and for more than half-filled
orbital, maximum value of J is used.
⸫ J = 0 for P2
The ground state term for free ion with P3 configuration:
↑ ↑ ↑

+1 0 -1
L = orbital quantum number
= 1(+1) + 1(0) + 1(-1) = 0, ⸫ S term
S = total spin quantum number
= ½ + ½ + ½ = 3/2
⸫ 2S + 1 = 4
J = total angular momentum quantum number
= |L + S|…..……|L - S|
= (0 + 3/2) ……. (0 – 3/2)
= 3/2 …….. 3/2
= 3/2
⸫ The ground state term for a free ion with P3 configuration is 2S + 1SJ = 4S3/2
The ground state term for free ion with P2 configuration:
↑ ↑

+1 0 -1
L = orbital quantum number
= 1(+1) + 1(0) + 0(-1) = 1, ⸫ S term
S = total spin quantum number
=½+½=1
⸫ 2S + 1 = 3
J = total angular momentum quantum number
= |L + S|…..……|L - S|
= (1 + 1) ……. (1 – 1)
= 3/2 …….. 3/2
= 3/2
⸫ The ground state term for a free ion with P3 configuration is 2S + 1SJ = 4S3/2

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The ground state term for free ion with d2 configuration:
↑ ↑
+2 +1 0 -1 -2
L = orbital quantum number
= 1(+2) + 1(+1) + 0(0) + 0(-1) + 0(-2) = 3, ⸫ F term
S = total spin quantum number
=½+½=1
⸫ 2S + 1 = 3
J = total angular momentum quantum number
= |L + S|…..……|L - S|
= (3 + 1) ……. (3 – 1)
= 4 …….. 2
= 4, 3, 2
⸫ The possible term for d3 configuration is 2S + 1FJ = 3F2, 3F3, 3F4
Now, for less than half-filled orbital, minimum value of J will be used.
⸫ The ground state term for a free ion with d3 configuration is 3F2

QUE: Determined the ground state from term symbol for (1) 7N and (2) 26Fe
(1) 7N : 1s2 2s2 2px1 2py1 2pz1
2s 2px 2py 2pz
↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑
Ml = 0 +1 0 -1
L = orbital quantum number
= 2(0) + 1(+1) + 1(0) + 1(-1) = 0, ⸫ S term
S = total spin quantum number
= ½ + (-½) + ½ + ½ + ½ = 3/2
⸫ 2S + 1 = 2(3/2) + 1 = 4
J = total angular momentum quantum number
= |0 + 3/2|…..……|0 – 3/2|
= 3/2
⸫ The term symbol is 4S3/2 quartet S three by two)

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(2) 26Fe : [Ar] 3d6 4s2
3d 4s
↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑↓
ml = +2 +1 0 -1 -2 0
L = orbital quantum number
= 2(2) + 1(+1) + 1(0) + 1(-1) = 1(-2) + 2(0) = 2, ⸫ D term
S = total spin quantum number
=0+½+½+½+½+0=2
⸫ 2S + 1 = 2(2) + 1 = 5
J = total angular momentum quantum number
= |2 + 2|…..……|2 – 2|
= 4, 3, 2, 1, 0
Now for more than half-filled orbital, maximum value of J is used.
⸫ The term symbol is 5D4 (quintet D four)
QUE: Derive the ground state term for free ion with d 9.
3d
↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑
ml = +2 +1 0 -1 -2
L = orbital quantum number
= 2(2) + 2(+1) + 2(0) + 2(-1) = 1(-2) = 2, ⸫ D term
S = total spin quantum number
= 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + ½ = 1/2
⸫ 2S + 1 = 2(1/2) + 1 = 2
J = total angular momentum quantum number
= (2 + ½)…..……(2 – ½)
= (5/2) ……….(3/2)
= 5/2, 4/2, 3/2
Now for more than half-filled orbital, maximum value of J is used.
⸫ The term symbol is 2D5/2

QUE: Find L, S and J value of 3F and 1S.

For 3F:
2S + 1
LJ = 3F
⸫ 2S + 1 = 3
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 ⸫ 2S = 2
⸫S=1
⸫ no. of unpaired electrons = 2
Now, term symbol is F. Therefore L = 3.
J = (L+ S)…… (L- S)
= (3 + 1)……..(3 – 1)
= 4, 3, 2
For 1S:
2S + 1
LJ = 1 S
⸫ 2S + 1 = 1
⸫ 2S = 0
⸫S=0
⸫ no. of unpaired electrons = 0
Now, term symbol is S. Therefore L = 0.
J = (L+ S)…… (L- S)
= (0 + 0)……..(0 – 0)
=0
Determination of term symbols for p2 configuration (of carbon atom):
(The electronic configuration of C is 1s2 2s22p2 in ground state. Since 2s and 2p orbital are full-
filled, the electrons of these orbital do not contribute anything for determination of term symbols
for C. Thus, we consider two electrons of 2p 2 configuration only).
The two electrons of p2 configuration (of carbon) can be arranged in three p orbitals in following
different ways.
Fig: 1 Electron with parallel spins
L = +1 0 -1
(a) L = 1(+1) + 1(0) + 0(-1) = +1
S=½+½=1
2S + 1 = 3
(b) L = 1(+1) + 0(0) + 1(-1) = 0
S=½+½=1
2S + 1 = 3
(c) L = 0(+1) + 1(0) + 1(-1) = -1
S=½+½=1
2S + 1 = 3

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 Fig: 2 Electron with opposite spins
(a) L = 2(+1) + 0(0) + 0(-1) = +2
S = ½ + (-½) = 0
2S + 1 = 1
(b) L = 0(+1) + 2(0) + 0(-1) = 0
S = ½ + (-½) = 0
2S + 1 = 1
(c) L = 0(+1) + 0(0) + 2(-1) = -2
S = ½ + (-½) = 0
2S + 1 = 1
Fig: 3 Electron with opposite spins
(a) L = 1(+1) + 1(0) + 0(-1) = +1
S = ½ + (-½) = 0
2S + 1 = 1
(b) L = 1(+1) + 0(0) + 1(-1) = 0
S = ½ + (-½) = 0
2S + 1 = 1
(c) L = 0(+1) + 1(0) + 1(-1) = -1
S = ½ + (-½) = 0
2S + 1 = 1

It may be seen from the above figure-1 that the three value of L for the three arrangement (a),
(b) and (c) are +1, 0 and -1 respectively. For these values, L=1 which stands for P term. The
values of 2S+1 for each arrangement is 3.
Hence, term = 2S+1L = 3P
It may be seen from the figure-2 that three values of L are +2, 0 and -2 while three values of L
from figure-3 are +1, 0 and -1. The value of 2S+1 for all six arrangements is equal to 1. All six
values (+2, 0, -1, +1, 0, -1) of L can be arranged systematically in to following two groups.
Group(a): Contains +2, +1, 0, -1, -2 values of L. For these values L = 2 which stands for D term
and S=0 hence 2S+1=1.
Hence, term = 2S+1L = 1D
Group(b): This group has only one L value which is 0. For L=0 which stands for S term and
2S+1=1.
Hence, term = 2S+1L = 1S.
Above discussion shows that for p2 configuration the terms are 3P, 1D and 1S which are triplet
P, singlet D and singlet S respectively.

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To arrange 1S, 1D and 3P term in increasing order of their energy with the help of Hund’s
rule:
Hund’s rule:
(1) The terms having highest value of spin multiplicity (2S+1) is the most stable and has
lowest energy. Since 3P term has highest value of (2S+1) which is 3, is the most stable
hence lowest energy.
(2) The stability of terms having the same value of 2S+1 depends on their L values. The
term having higher value of L is more stable hence has lowest energy. Since 1D and 1S
terms have the same value of 2S+1, 1D (L=2) which has higher value of L is more stable
than 1S (L=1) term. Hence 1D has lower energy than 1S.
The increasing order of energy of term is 3P ˂ 1D ˂ 1S -------------(1)
Since 3D term has the lowest energy, this term is ground state term of p2 configuration.

To determined J energy levels (J states) for the term symbols for p 2 configuration:
Term symbols which have J values are represented as 2S+1LJ. The energy levels for p2
configuration, we should find out values of J for 3P, 1D and 1S.
For 3P: For this term, L = 1 and 2S+1 = 3 or S=1. Hence J values for 3P term are given by
J = (L+S)……..(L-S)
= (1+1)……...(1-1)
= 2, 1, 0
Thus, J energy level for 3P term are: 3P2, 3P1 and 3P0
For 1D: For this term, L = 2 and 2S+1 = 1 or S=0. Hence J value for 1D term is given by
J = (L+S)……..(L-S)
= (2+0)……...(2-0)
=2
Thus, J energy level for 1D term is 1D2
For 1S: For this term, L = 0 and 2S+1 = 1 or S=0. Hence J value for 1S term is given by
J = (L+S)……..(L-S)
= (0+0)……...(0-0)
=0
Thus, J energy level for 1S term is 1S0
All the energy levels can be written as: 3P2, 3P1, 3P0, 1D2 and 1S0.

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To arrange the J energy levels of p 2 configuration in the increasing order of their energy
The energy levels for p2 configuration are 3P2, 3P1, 3P0, 1D2 and 1S0.
3
P2, 3P1, 3P0 are J energy level of 3P term, which has same value of spin multiplicity (2S+1=3).
So, their energy depends on their J value. With increase of J value, energy also increase (Hund’s
rule).
Thus, the energy is given as: 3P0 ˂ 3P1 ˂ 3P2 ----------------(2)
On combinig energy relation (1) and (2) we get
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P0 ˂ 3P1 ˂ 3P2 ˂ 1D ˂ 1S
Since 3P0 has the lowest energy, it is Russel-Sounders term for p2 configuration.

MICROSTATE:
In a given configuration, the electrons are arrangement in many different way which have slightly
different energy. These different arrangements are called microstate.
Microstates are determined by following different ways.
(1) From electronic configuration of single sub-shell
(2) From electronic configuration of two different sub-shell
(3) From the term symbol without L-S coupling (J)
(4) From the term symbol with L-S coupling (J)
(1) To determine the microstates from electronic configuration of single sub-shell
The total number of possible arrangements of given number of electrons are the microstate of
that electronic configuration.

Where n = Twice the number of orbitals in the sub shell

r = number of electrons in the given configuration
n! and r! are the factorials of n and r respectively

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Example: Calculate the number of microstates in the configurations:
(i) p2 (ii) p3 (iii) d1 (Answer: (i) 15 (ii) 20 (iii) 10)

(i) p2 configuration:
This configuration has r = 2.
Since the number of orbitals in p sub-shell = 3, n = 2 x 3 = 6
Thus,

(iii) d1 configuration:
This configuration has r = 1.
Since the number of orbitals in d sub-shell = 5, n = 2 x 5 = 10
Thus,

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Number of microstates of configuration of p, d and f sub-shell

(2) To determine the microstates from electronic configuration of two different sub-shell
It can be calculated by multiplying microstate of one sub-shell to other sub-shell.
Example: To calculate the number of microstates of p 1d1
For p1 term, n = 2 x 3 = 6 and r = 1
For d1 term, n = 2 x 5 = 10 and r = 1

(3) To determine the microstates from the term symbol without L-S coupling
Number of microstates is equal to the product of spin energy level (2S+1) and orbital energy
level (2L+1) of the term. Hence, it can be calculated by the equation (2S+1) (2L+1)
Example: To calculate microstates of 2D
For 2D term, (2S + 1) is 2 and L is 3
⸫ Microstates of a given term symbol = (2S + 1) (2L + 1)

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 = 2 (2 x 2 + 1)
= 2 (5)
= 10
To determine the number of microstates in term symbol of p 2:
3
P, 1D and 1S are the term symbol of p2 configuration
No. of microstates in 3P term [(2S+1) = 3 and L = 1]
= (2S + 1) (2L + 1)
= (3) (2x1 + 1)
= (3) (3)
=9
No. of microstates in 1D term [(2S+1) = 1 and L = 2]
= (2S + 1) (2L + 1)
= (1) (2x2 + 1)
=5
No. of microstates in 1S term [(2S+1) = 1 and L = 0]
= (2S + 1) (2L + 1)
= (1) (2x0 + 1)
= (1) (1)
=1
Hence, total number of microstates in p 2 configuration = 9+5+1 = 15

Pigeonhole diagram for p2 configuration:

Microstates of p2 are 15

L a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o
-1 ↓ ↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓

0 ↓ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↑↓

+1 ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

ML +2 +1 0 -1 -2 +1 0 -1 +1 0 -1 +1 0 -1 0

MS 0 0 0 0 0 +1 +1 +1 0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 0

MJ +2 +1 0 -1 -2 +2 +1 0 +1 0 -1 0 -1 -2 0
(A) (B) (C)

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 (A) ML= +2, +1, 0, -1, -2

⸫ L = 2, hence D term

S = 0, ⸫ 2S+1 = 1
J = (L+S)….(L-S)

=2

⸫ Five 1D2
(B) ML= +1, 0, -1

⸫ L = 1, hence P term

S = 1, ⸫ 2S+1 = 3
J = (L+S)….(L-S)
= 2, 1, 0

⸫ Five 3P2, Three 3P1, One 3P0

(C) ML= 0

⸫ L = 0, hence S term

S = 0, ⸫ 2S+1 = 1
J = (L+S)….(L-S)
=0

⸫ One 1S0
Number of microstates for d2
Since the number of orbitals in d sub-shell = 5, n = 2 x 5 = 10
Thus,

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Pigeonhole diagram for d2 configuration:
Microstates of d2 are 45
+2 +1 0 -1 -2 MS ML J
↑↓ 0 4 4
↑ ↓ 0 3 3
↑ ↓ 0 2 2
↑ ↓ 0 1 1
↑ ↓ 0 0 0 (A)
↑ ↓ 0 -1 -1
↑ ↓ 0 -2 -2
↑ ↓ 0 -3 -3
↑↓ 0 -4 -4
↑ ↑ 1 3 4
↑ ↑ 1 2 3
↑ ↑ 1 1 2
↑ ↑ 1 0 1 (B)
↑ ↑ 1 -1 0
↑ ↑ 1 -2 -1
↑ ↑ 1 -3 -2
↑↓ 0 2 2
↑ ↓ 0 1 1
↑ ↓ 0 0 0 (C)
↑ ↓ 0 -1 -1
↑ ↓ 0 -2 -2
↑ ↑ 1 1 2
↑ ↑ 1 0 1 (D)
↑ ↑ 1 -1 0
↑↓ 0 0 0 (E)

(A) ML= -4 to +4

⸫ L = 4, hence G term

S = 0, ⸫ 2S+1 = 1
J = (L+S)….(L-S)
=4

⸫ T.S. = 1G4
(B) ML= -3 to +3

⸫ L = 3, hence F term

S = 1, ⸫ 2S+1 = 3
J = (L+S)….(L-S)
= 4, 3, 2

⸫ T. S. = 3F4, 3F3, 3F2

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 (C) ML= -2 to +2

⸫ L = 2, hence D term

S = 0, ⸫ 2S+1 = 1
J = (L+S)….(L-S)

=2

⸫ T. S. = 1D2
(D) ML= -1 to +1

⸫ L = 1, hence P term

S = 1, ⸫ 2S+1 = 3
J = (L+S)….(L-S)
= 2, 1, 0

⸫ T. S. = 3P2, 3P1, 3P0

(E) ML= 0

⸫ L = 0, hence S term

S = 0, ⸫ 2S+1 = 1
J = (L+S)….(L-S)
=0
⸫ T. S. = 1S0
The two electrons in d-orbital can be arranged in 45 different ways. However, for simplicity the
following method may be used to determine the term symbols. The sub levels 3P and 3F can be
worked out separately by finding he compounds of ‘S’ quantum number. S=1 can be split into 3
components MS = +1, 0, -1 giving 3 times the energy level shown in the figure for 3P and for 3F
viz. 3x3=9 and 7x3=21 energy levels respectively.
Although one microstate may belong to 2 or more term symbol. We fix one arrangement or
microstate for one particular microstate and not repeat it again for other terms in this way, we
can assign the term symbols for d2 configuration. Again it is not necessary to write alternate term
symbol for each and every microstates. eg for ML = -4 to +4 and MS = 0 is microstate only for 1G
According to Hund’s rule, the term symbol for ground state five term symbol is
3
F4,3,2, 3P2,1,0, 1G4, 1D2 and 1S0.
For d2 configuration the orbital is less than half field, hence smallest value of J is most stable
term and also according to Hund’s rule, the arrangement of term symbol for d 2 configuration 1F2
˂ 1F3 ˂ 1F4 ˂ 3P0 ˂ 3P1 V 3P2 ˂ 1G4 ˂ 1D2 ˂ 1S0
To determine the number of microstates (J levels) in term symbol of d 2 configuration:
The term symbol for d2 configuration is 3F, 3P, 1G, 1D and 1S

Microstates of a given term symbol = (2S + 1) (2L + 1)

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For 3F term, (2S + 1) is 2 and L is 3
⸫ Microstates of a given term symbol = 3 (2 x 3 + 1) = 3 (7) = 21

For 3P term, (2S + 1) is 2 and L is 1

⸫ Microstates of a given term symbol = 3 (2 x 1 + 1) = 3 (3) = 9

For 1G term, (2S + 1) is 12 and L is 4

⸫ Microstates of a given term symbol = 1 (2 x 4 + 1) = 1 (9) = 9

For 1D term, (2S + 1) is 1 and L is 2

⸫ Microstates of a given term symbol = 1 (2 x 2 + 1) = 1 (5) = 5

For 1S term, (2S + 1) is 1 and L is 0

⸫ Microstates of a given term symbol = 1 (2 x 0 + 1) = 1 (1) = 1

Hence total number of microstates in d2 configuration = 21 + 9 + 9 + 5 + 1 = 45

(4) To determine the microstates from the term symbol without L-S coupling (J)
It can be calculated by the equation (2J + 1)
Example: To calculate microstates of 2P4
For 2P4 term, J is 4
⸫ Microstates of a given term symbol = (2J + 1)
= (2 x 4 + 1)
=9

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ELECTRONIC SPECTRA OF TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES:
When electrons promoted from one energy level to another, spectra arise. Such electronic
transitions are high energy and in addition much lower energy vibrational and rotational
transitions always occur. These vibrational and rotational levels are too close in energy to be
resolved in to separate absorption bands, but they result in considerable broadening of the
electronic absorption bands in d-d spectra. Band widths are commonly 1000-3000 cm-1.
Not all the theoretically possible electronic transitions are actually observed. The selection rules
distinguish between ‘allowed’ and ‘forbidden’ transitions do occurs, but much less frequently and
much lower intensity.
Selection rule:

In intensity of hight of electronic spectra is based on the probability of electronic transition.

If there is high probability of electronic transition then more light is absorbed during transition.
So, the spectra which is obtained would be more intense and high.

There are two rules to decide allowed or forbidden transition.

(1) Spin selection rule:

During the transition the total spin of the molecule (atom or ion) should remain constant. It means
electron does not change its spin.
If ΔS = 0, such transition is allowed transition and if ΔS ≠ 0, such transition is forbidden.
This rule is known as rule of spin multiplicity.
According to this rule singlet→singlet, doublet→doublet, triplet→triplet are allowed transition
whereas singlet→doublet, doublet→ triplate are forbidden transitions.
(2) Laporte orbital selection rule:
Δl = ±1 is Laporte allowed transition which gives sharp band.
The subsidiary quantum number Δl ≠ ±1 is forbidden transition.

Each electron has finite value of its orbital angular quantum number l and its orbital has definite
symmetry too.
According to this rule s→p, p→s, p→d, d→p, d→f, f→d are Laporte allowed transition which
gives sharp band.
g→u and u→g allowed while g→g and u→u are forbidden transition. (g is gerade ie symmetrical
and u is ungerade ie unsymmetrical)

Orbital l symmetry
s 0 Gerade
p 1 ungerade
d 2 gerade
f 3 ungerade

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Intensity of different types of electronic transition:

Type of transition Approx Є (Molar absorption constant

Spin forbidden, Laporte forbidden 10-2 to 1.0

Spin allowed, Laporte forbidden 1 to 10

Spin allowed, Laporte forbidden 10 to 102

(p & d orbitals overlaps)

Spin allowed, Laporte forbidden 102 to 103

(Intensity stilling effect)

Spin allowed, Laporte allowed 104 to 105

Splitting of dn term:

Each of the free ion terms will be affected by the ligands in a complex and this will depend
upon the geometry of the complex.
e.g. s-orbital is spherically symmetrical and is unaffected by an octahedral or any other field. p-
orbitals are affected but set of all three orbitals are affected equally hence, their energy levels
remain equal and no splitting occurs. d and f splits in to two and three states respectively.
Transforming spectroscopic term in to Muliken symbol:

Spectroscopic Muliken symbols

term Octahedral field Tetrahedral field
S A2g A1
P T1g T1
D Eg + T2g E + T2
F A2g + T1g + T2g A2 + T1 + T2
1
Electronic spectra of d system:

In the free gaseous metal ion 5d orbitals are degenerate and no spectra from d-d transitions.
In octahedral complex of Ti(III), [TiCl 6]-3 and [Ti(H2O)6]+3 (d1 system), d-orbital splits and one
electron occupies lower t2g level and only one transition is possible to e g level.

19
Consequently the absorption spectrum of [Ti(H2O)6]+2 shows only one band with a peak at 20300
cm-1. The magnitude of splitting of ∆o depends on nature of ligands and affect the energy of
transition and hence the frequency of maximum absorption in the spectrum.

Thus, the peak occurs at 13000 cm-1→[TiCl)6]-3, 18900 cm-1→[TiF6]-3, 20300 cm-1→Ti(H2O)6]+2,
22300 cm-1→Ti(CN)6]-3.
Electronic spectra of d9 system:
Cu+2 (z = 29): [Ar] 3d9 4s0 is a d9 system. The term symbol is 2D. In [Cu(H2O)6]+2, according to
CFT all five orbitals do not remain equivalent. Due to octahedral field effect of H2O ligand, the
degenerate d-orbitals of Cu+2 splits and produces two energy levels such as lower energetic 2t2g
(dxy, dyz, dxz) and higher energetic 2eg (dx2-y2, dz2).

Thus, according to CFT, 2T2g→2Eg type of only one transition takes place and only one band
should be obtained. But electronic spectrum of [Cu(H2O)6]+2 is of two bands, asymmetric and
broad. This can be explained using Jahn-Teller theory.
According to Jahn-Teller theory, non-linear molecule containing equivalent orbitals gets
distorted and in its ground state, the degeneracy also destroyed. Thus, [Cu(H 2O)6]+2 molecule
lost its symmetry according to Jahn-Teller’s effect and further split.

20
Thus, instead of only one transition, the distorted octahedral field split and gives further three
transitions:
2
(i) B1g → 2Eg, (ii) 2A1g ← 2Eg and (iii) 2B2g ← 2Eg
The energy of 2B2g ← 2Eg transition is very low and near IR region, so it is not found in visible
region therefore only two bands are obtained.

The energy difference between transition (i) and (ii) is very low, so their bands are obtained
closer to each other as a big peak along with a shoulder peak. Due to John-Teller effect the
ground state and exited state split in to many energy levels. Therefore instead of one transition,
many transition of less energy take place. These transitions have less difference so instead of
sharp, it give broad band, so {Cu(H2O)6]+2 contains blue-green colour.

21
d1 Correlation diagram:
The ground term 2D arise in d1 system.

The ground state configuration is t 2g1 eg0, in exited state the configuration is t 2g0 eg1. It means
electron shift to eg orbital. Thus, transition is from 2T2g → 2Eg.

The separation is numerically equal to ∆o, the magnitude of the field.

Relative to the energy of the 2D free ion term, the 2T2g term will be stabilized by -0.4∆o and the
2
Eg term will be destabilised by +0.6∆o.

d9 Correlation diagram:

The same ground term 2D arise in d9 system.

The ground state configuration is t 2g6 eg3, means hole is in eg orbital. In exited state the
configuration is t2g5 eg4. It means hole (positron) transition occur is from 2Eg → 2T2g.

Thus, the energy ordering of the terms for d 9 is the reverse of d1 case. For the d9 (Oh) case the
2
Eg is stabilised by -0.4∆o and the 2T2g term will be destabilised by +0.6∆o.

22
Orgel diagram of d1 – d9:
Electronic configuration of d1 and d9 are as follow:
d1 = [Ar] 3d1 4s0 = ↑
3d 4s
d9 = [Ar] 3d9 4s0 = ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑
3d 4s
Here, in electronic configuration of d 1, there is only one electron exist in d-orbital while in d9
system, only one space is empty in d-orbital as ‘hole’ position.
The ground state term symbol of both d 1 and d9 is 2D. According to CFT, 2D term split in to 2T2g
and 2Eg. in composition to d1, d9 has opposite splitting.
In splitted energy levels of d1 system, electron is filled as follow.

Here in ground state (t2g)1, electron arrangement has three probable arrangements.
(i) dxy1, dyz0, dxz0
(ii) dxy0, dyz1, dxz0
(iii) dxy0, dyz0, dxz1

while in exited state (eg)1 has two possibility

(i) (dz2)1 (dx2-y2)0
(ii) (dz2)0 (dx2-y2)1
23
Due to this difference in probable arrangement, the t2g which has three probable arrangement
becomes less energetic and eg has two probable arrangements become more energetic.

In the d9 system (i.e. Cu+2), nine electron filled as follows:

Here in ground state (t2g)6 (eg)3, the probable arrangement of electrons is as

(i) (t2g)6 (dz2)2 (dx2-y2)1

(ii) (t2g)6 (dz2)1 (dx2-y2)2

while in exited state (t2g)5 (eg)4, the probable arrangement of electrons is as
(i) dxy2, dyz2, dxz1 (eg)4
(ii) dxy2, dyz1, dxz2 (eg)4 or

(iii) dxy1, dyz2, dxz2 (eg)4

Thus, here exited state is more stable than ground state.
Thus, in d1 transition, electron transition takes place while in d 9, positron (hole) transition takes
place. So, the bands of both d1 and d9 obtained at equal frequency.

In case of tetrahedral field, the energy level diagram for d1 complexes is inverse of that in an
octahedral field and similar in case of d 9 field.

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d2 corelation diagram:
The V(III) octahedral complexes have the d 2 configuration

d2 = [Ar] 3d2 4s0 = ↑ ↑

+2 +1 0 -1 -2

The ground state term symbol for d 2 is 3F. The exited states are 3P, 1G, 1D and 1S. According
to spin selection rule, 3F to 3P is allowed transition, whereas 1G, 1D and 1S are forbidden
transition. As per multiplicity rule, triplet→singlet is forbidden transition, therefore not shown in
the orgel diagram.
The spectra of vanadium complexes would be expected to show three absorption bands from
the ground state 3T1g(F) →3T2g(F), 3T1g(F) →3T1g(P) and 3T1g(F) →3A2g(F).

Thus, in [V(H2O)6] three transitions are possible:

Thus, the visible spectra of [V(H2O)6]+3 should contain three peaks, but the energy difference
between 3T1g(F)→3T1g(P) and 3T1g(F)→3A2g transition is such small that it gives overtone and a
single peak appear. While 3T1g(F) →3T2g gives another peak. Thus, only two peaks appear.

25
d8 corelation diagram:
The Ni(II) octahedral complexes have the d 8 configuration.

d8 = [Ar] 3d8 4s0 = ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑

+2 +1 0 -1 -2

The ground state term symbol for d 8 is 3F. The exited states are 3P, 1G, 1D and 1S. According
to spin selection rule, 3F to 3P is allowed transition, whereas 1G, 1D and 1S are forbidden
transition. As per multiplicity rule, triplet→singlet is forbidden transition, therefore not shown in
the orgel diagram.

According to CFT, in octahedral field 3F term split in to lower energy 3A2g and higher energy
containing 3T2g and 3T1g(P) levels. Splitting of d8 system [Ni(H2O)6]+2 in octahedra; field is given
below.

Thus, in [Ni(H2O)6]+2 three transition take place.

The required energy for all three transitions are enough so visible spectra of [Ni(H 2O)6]+2
contains three peak as under.

26
d2-d8 orgel diagram:
The V(III) octahedral complexes have the d 2 configuration and Ni(II) octahedral complexes
have the d8 configuration.
d2 = [Ar] 3d2 4s0 = ↑ ↑ ↓
+2 +1 0 -1 -2

d8 = [Ar] 3d8 4s0 = ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑

+2 +1 0 -1 -2
The ground state term symbol for d 2 and d8 is 3F. the exited states are 3P, 1D and 1S. according
to spin selection rule, 3F to 3P is allow transition, whereas 1G, 1D and 1S are forbidden transition.
As per the multiplicity rule, triplet→singlet is forbidden transition, therefore not shown in the orgel
diagram.
According to CFT, d2 and d8 system splits in octahedral and tetrahedral field respectively as
shown below.

The spliting of d2 in octahedral field and of d8 in tetrahedral field is equal. While spliting of d 2 in
tetrahedral field and of d8 in octahedral field is equal.
The electronic spectra of high-spin d5 ions:
For high-spin d5 ion, all possible d-d transitions are spin-forbidden. As a result, the bands in
spectra of high-spin complexes of Mn(III) and Fe(III) are very weak and the compounds are
nearly colourless. Below is shown a d-d transition for a high-spin d5 ion, showing that it is spin-
forbidden.

27
There are five unpaired electrons with parallel spin. Any electronic transition within the d-level
must be involve a reverse of spin, therefore it is spin forbidden transition and absorption bands
will be extremely weak.
The four quartets 4G, 4F, 4D and 4P involve the reversal of only one spin, other seven states
are doublet and doubly spin forbidden. In octahedral field ten extremely weak absorption band
may be observed.

Electronic spectra of [Mn(H2O)6]+2

28
d3-d7 orgel diagram:
d3 = [Ar] 3d3 4s0 = ↑ ↑ ↑
+2 +1 0 -1 -2

d7 = [Ar] 3d7 4s0 = ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑

+2 +1 0 -1 -2

The Cr(III) octahedral complexes have the d 3 configuration and Co(III) octahedral complexes
have the d7 configuration. The ground state term symbol for d 3 and d7 is 4F and exited state term
symbol are 4P, 2G, 2F, 2D and 2P.
According to spin multiplicity rule 4F to 4P is allowed transition where as 2G, 2F, 2D and 2P are
forbidden transition and not shown in the orgel diagram.
The spectra of chromium complexes would be expected to show three absorption bands from
the ground state 4A2g → 4T1g (P). Chromium(III) complexes shows at least two well defined
absorption peaks in the visible region. In some cases the third band can also be seen. The
spectra of cobalt complexes in octahedral field such as [Co(H 2O)6]+2 shows three absorption
bands.
4
(i) T1g (F) → 4T2g (F), energy band at 8000 cm-1
(ii) $T1g (F) → 4A2g (F), energy band at 19600 cm-1

(iii) 4T1g (F) → 4T1g (P), energy band at 21600 cm -1

Tetrahedral complexes of Co(II) such as [CoCl 4]-2 shows intensely blue colour. There are
possible transition are as follow.
4
(i) A2 (F) → 4T1 (P), 15000 cm-1 in the visible region
(ii) 4A2 (F) → 4T1 (F), 5800 cm-1 in the visible region
(iii) 4A2 (F) → 4T2 (F), 3500 cm-1 in the visible region
Thus, dissolving CoCl 2 in water produces pale pink solution of [Co(H 2O)6], but in alcohol
tetrahedral [CoCl2(CH3CH2OH)2] form give intense blue colour.
The spectra of octahedral [Co(H2O)6]+2 and tetrahedral [CoCl4]-2 ion:
The spectra at left show the very instead-d
bands in the blue tetra hedral complexes
[CoCl4]-2, as compared with the much
weaker band in the pink octahedral
complex [Co(H2O)6]+2. This difference
arises because the tetrahedral complex
has no center of symmetry, helping to
overcome the g → g Laporte selection rule.

29
The term of d3 and d7 system is equal (same). Their ground state term would be 4F and 4P.
The orgel diagram of d3 and d7 is similar with d2 and d8 only terms are different instead of 3F
and 3P, they contain 4F and 4P.

Orgel diagram of d4-d6:

The electronic configuration of d4 and d6 are as follows:
d4 = [Ar] 3d4 4s0 = ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑
+2 +1 0 -1 -2

d6 = [Ar] 3d6 4s0 = ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑

+2 +1 0 -1 -2

The ground state term symbol for d 4 and d6 is 5D.

The ground state term symbol for d 4 and d6 is 5D. in exited state 3h, 3G, 3F, 3D, 3P, 1I, 1D, 1S.
According to spin multiplicity rule only 5D transition is possible. The 5D term is split in to T2g
and Eg. In high spin d6 electron is promoted from T 2g → Eg as same as d1 case. In d4 positron
(hole) is promoted from E g → T2g as same as d9 case.

30
If complex contain tetrahedral field then in orgel diagram subscript g is not written.
The above orgel diagram stated that the orgel diagrams of d1-d9 and d4-d6 are quite similar.
So, the combined orgel diagram for d 1, d9, d4, d6 system is as follows.

John-Teller effect:
This theorem explained why certain six coordinated complexes possess distorted octahedral
geometry.

According to this theorem:

(i) An octahedral complex is said to have a regular shape if the d-orbitals (both t2g and eg sets)
are occupied symmetrically.
(ii) When the d-orbitals or central metal ion of an octahedral complex posses t 2g orbitals as
asymmetrical orbitals there occurs slight distortion from the regular octahedron. This
distortion in octahedral complex is due to unevenly filling of these orbitals which do not
point towards the ligands. The slight distortion may occur in such cases when the central
metal ion contains 1, 2, 4 and 5 electrons.
(iii) Strong distortion occurs when the eg orbitals of an octahedral complex are asymmetrically
filled because these orbitals do not point towards the ligands. Due to strong distortion, the
31
 octahedral shapes of complexes may change to tetragonal and even to square planar
complexes. The high-spin complexes of d4 and d9 and low-spin complexes of d7, d8 and d9
lead to strong distortion.
The above three postulates (i), (ii) and (iii) which describe the effect of asymmetrical t 2g or eg
orbitals on the shape of an octahedral complex is known as John-Teller effect.
Explanation:

The CFT explains John-Teller effect. This can be illustrated by considering the distortion
produced by the presence of eg orbitals in a complex of Cu+2 ion (d9 ion). This ion of configuration
t2g6 eg3 in both the fields. Thus, there are two possible configurations.
(i) t2g6 eg3 or t2g6 (dz2)2 (dx2-y2)1
(ii) t2g6 eg3 or t2g6 (dz2)1 (dx2-y2)2
Due to unsymmetrical eg orbital, the ligand along z axis move away from the nucleus and the
ligand along x-y plane move closer to the nucleus. Therefore, complex of Cu +2 ion has four long
two short metal ligand bonds.

For example,
(i) In the cupric chloride crystal, each Cu+2 ion is surrounded by six Cl - ions. Four of them
are lying at a distance of 2.30 Å and the other two are at 2.95 Å away.
(ii) In the cupric fluoride crystal, F- ions are lying at a distance of 1.93 Å and the remaining
two are at 2.27 Å away.

We will now consider the effect of distortion due to Jahn-Teller effect on the energy of Cu+2 ion
(d9) as shown in figure given above.

32
In the figure give above, splitting of the more stable octahedral distortion corresponding to
configuration (i) t2g6 (dz2)2, (dx2-y2)1 is being consider ẟ1 and ẟ2 are much smaller than as
compared with ∆o and also 2 is much smaller than, i.e. ∆o >>> ẟ1 > ẟ2.
Spectrochemical Series:

In complex salts, different ligands remain attached with metal ion. The relative strength and
weakness of these ligands are different. The relative strength or weakness of ligand can be
decided on the bases of electronic spectra of complex salt.
i.e. In [Ni(H2O)6]+2 under the effect of the ligand, the absorption band of d-d transition is obtained
in green field of visible region. So, [Ni(H2O)6]+2 complex is green coloured. But when in that salt
if ethylene diamine (en) is added, it forms [Ni(en) 3]+2 complex. Here, en ligand is stronger than
H2O. So the energy required for d-d transition increase and as a result of this the peak is
obtained at low wavelength. Thus, the three peaks are obtained in spectra of [Ni(H 2O)6]+2 shift
towards low wavelength in [Ni(en)3]+2. Thus, with help of electronic spectra, the relative strength
of different ligands is known.
If electronic band indicates deviation towards blue field on addition of new ligand in complex,
then the entering ligand is more powerful than the existing ligand and if deviate towards red
wavelength (high wavelength) than the ligand is consider as a weak ligand.
Thus, on the study of absorption spectra, comparing the relative strength of ligand, the following
order is obtained.
CO ~ CN > N containing ligands > NH3 > H2O > O containing ligands > F- > Cl- > Br- > I-

This series is called spectrochemical series.

ASSIGNMENT
Short questions

1. Define term symbol.

2. Give the value of L foe s, p, d, f and g.
3. What is spin multiplicity?

4. Give Pauli Exclusion Principle and Hund's Rule

5. Define: Total degeneracy
6. Write the rules for ‘Ground state term symbol’.

7. Find Ground state term symbol for N(P3) (Z=7), C (Z=6), V+3(Z=23), Mn+2(Z=25),
Ni+2(Z=28), Cu+2(Z=29).
8. Find L, S, spin multiplicity, number of unpaired electrons and J values of 3F, 1S, 5D
9. Calculate microstate for p3 and d2.
10. Explain: Bands of d-d transition are weaker
11. Explain: Identification of octahedral and tetrahedral complexes through electronic spectra.
33
 12. According to Leporte rule transition complexes should be colourless but it is not true.
Explain.
13. Complexes of Zn+2 are mostly colourless.
14. Explain: Electronic absorption band of cis MA4B2 is more intense than MA4B2.

Long Questions
1. Explain R-S or L-S coupling to derive ground state term symbol.
1. What is L-S coupling? Explain with the example of p 2 configuration of carbon.
2. Derive the ground state term symbol for the following
(i) N (z=7) (ii) S (z=16) (iii) Ti (z=22) (iv) Cr+3(z=24) (v) Fe+3 (z=26) (vi) Cu+2 (z=29) (vii) Co+2
(z=27) (viii) Ni+2 (z=28).
3. Identify the ground state term giving reason for the following set.
(i) 1S (ii) 3F (iii) 3P (iv) 1G (v) 1D
4. Calculate L for p2 configuration and show the energy states.
5. Draw Pigeon hole diagram for p2 configuration and arranged according to their energy level.
2. Draw Pigeon hole diagram for d2 configuration and arranged according to their energy level.
3. Discuss ‘Selection Rule’ for electronic Transition.
4. Explain John Teller effect in [Ti(H2O)6]+3.
6. Discuss the electronic spectra of [Ti(H2O)6]+3 complex ion.
7. Explain John Teller effect in [Cu(H2O)6]+2
8. Explain: Orgel energy diagram of d1 and d9 are opposite of each other.
9. Write a short note on Hole formalism.
10. In [V(H2O)6]+3 three transition are possible but only two peaks are observed. Explain.
11. In [Ni(H2O)6]+2 three peaks are observed. Explain.
12. Draw and explain the combined orgel diagram of d 3 and d7

34