All the given complexes, [CoCl4]2−, [CoBr4]2− and [CoI4]2−, are tetrahedral complexes.
In tetrahedral complexes, the crystal field splitting energy (Δt) depends on the nature of the ligand. According to the spectrochemical series:
Cl⁻ > Br⁻ > I⁻ (field strength decreases down the group)
Hence, the order of crystal field splitting energy is:
Δt([CoCl4]2−) > Δt([CoBr4]2−) > Δt([CoI4]2−)
Statement I is true. Since [CoBr4]2− has smaller Δt than [CoCl4]2−, it absorbs lower energy (longer wavelength) light.
Statement II is false. The iodide ligand is weaker than chloride, so the energy separation in [CoI4]2− is less, not more, than that in [CoCl4]2−.
Therefore, the correct option is Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
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