[Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ is an inner orbital or low spin complex, using the inner d orbital (3d) in hybridization, while the paramagnetic complex [CoF₆]³⁻ is an outer orbital or high spin complex, utilizing the outer d orbital (4d) in hybridization.
How does the inner orbital hybridization differ in the formation of [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ compared to the paramagnetic complex [CoF₆]³⁻?
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In the formation of [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺, inner orbital hybridization occurs, involving the hybridization of cobalt’s 3d, 4s, and three 4p orbitals to form six equivalent sp³d² hybrid orbitals. This leads to an octahedral geometry, and the complex is diamagnetic due to the absence of unpaired electrons. On the other hand, in the paramagnetic complex [CoF₆]³⁻, outer orbital hybridization takes place with sp³d² hybridization, using cobalt’s 4d orbitals. This results in a distorted octahedral geometry with directional properties, contributing to its paramagnetic nature due to the presence of unpaired electrons.