The distribution of the fourth electron in d⁴ ions depends on the relative magnitudes of crystal field splitting (∆₀) and pairing energy (P). The two possible patterns are either pairing with an existing electron in the t₂g level or avoiding pairing energy by occupying the eg level.
What factors determine the electron distribution in d⁴ ions, and what are the two possible patterns for the fourth electron?
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The electron distribution in d⁴ ions depends on the relative magnitudes of crystal field splitting (∆₀) and pairing energy (P). For the fourth electron in a d⁴ ion, two possible patterns emerge: (i) the fourth electron could enter the t₂g level, pairing with an existing electron, or (ii) it could avoid pairing by occupying the higher-energy eg level. The determination between these patterns is influenced by the competition between the crystal field splitting and the energy required for electron pairing. The specific choice of electron distribution is dictated by the relative energies of these factors in the coordination environment.