Total number of unpaired electrons present in the central metal atoms or ions
Q. Total number of unpaired electrons present in the central metal atoms/ions of

[Ni(CO)4], [NiCl4]2−, [PtCl2(NH3)2], [Ni(CN)4]2− and [Pt(CN)4]2− is _____.
Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

We calculate unpaired electrons in each complex one by one.

1. [Ni(CO)4]

Oxidation state of Ni = 0

Electronic configuration of Ni (0):

$$ [Ar]\,3d^8\,4s^2 $$

CO is a strong field ligand, causing pairing of electrons.

Hybridization = sp3, tetrahedral, all electrons paired.

Unpaired electrons = 0

2. [NiCl4]2−

Oxidation state of Ni = +2

Ni2+ configuration:

$$ [Ar]\,3d^8 $$

Cl is a weak field ligand, no pairing occurs.

Geometry = tetrahedral (sp3)

d8 tetrahedral → 2 unpaired electrons

3. [PtCl2(NH3)2]

Oxidation state of Pt = +2

Pt2+ configuration:

$$ 5d^8 $$

Square planar complex → dsp2 hybridization

All electrons paired.

Unpaired electrons = 0

4. [Ni(CN)4]2−

Oxidation state of Ni = +2 → d8

CN is a strong field ligand.

Square planar, dsp2 hybridization.

All electrons paired.

Unpaired electrons = 0

5. [Pt(CN)4]2−

Oxidation state of Pt = +2 → d8

Strong field ligand, square planar.

All electrons paired.

Unpaired electrons = 0

Total unpaired electrons:

$$ 0 + 2 + 0 + 0 + 0 = \boxed{2} $$

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