In metal- carbonyl complexes, the p- back bonding isa)pπ– d...
Π backbonding, also called π backdonation, is a concept from chemistry in which electrons move from an atomic orbital on one atom to an appropriate symmetry antibonding orbital on a π-acceptor ligand. Electrons from the metal are used to bond to the ligand, in the process relieving the metal of excess negative charge.
In metal- carbonyl complexes, the p- back bonding isa)pπ– d...
Understanding p-Back Bonding in Metal-Carbonyl Complexes
Metal-carbonyl complexes are significant in coordination chemistry, primarily due to their unique electronic properties. One important aspect of these properties is the phenomenon known as p-back bonding.
What is p-Back Bonding?
- P-back bonding refers to the electron donation from filled metal d-orbitals to empty p-orbitals of the CO ligand.
- This process enhances the stability of the metal-carbonyl complex and helps in lowering the CO stretching frequency.
Role of d * Orbitals
- In metal-carbonyl complexes, the metal center typically has d-electrons that can participate in back donation.
- The d * orbitals, which are the higher-energy d-orbitals, are crucial for this bonding.
Why d * Type?
- The d * orbitals have the appropriate symmetry and energy to overlap effectively with the π* (pi-star) orbitals of carbon monoxide.
- This overlap allows for effective electron transfer from the metal to the ligand, stabilizing the overall complex.
Conclusion
- Therefore, in metal-carbonyl complexes, the p-back bonding mechanism primarily involves d * type orbitals.
- This contributes significantly to the properties and reactivity of these complexes, making option 'C' the correct choice.
Understanding these concepts is vital for comprehending how metal-carbonyl complexes function in various chemical processes and applications.