Chemistry Transition Elements UHS 2022
PMDC Verified Question 27 of 68
Which of the following complex show a tetrahedral geometry?
A
\( [Fe(CO)_{5}] \)
B
\( [Au(Cl)_{4}]^{-} \)
C
\( [Cu(CN)_{4}]^{-2} \)
D
\( [Pt(NH_{3})_{4}]^{+2} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: \( [Cu(CN)_{4}]^{-2} \)
Concept:

Complexes with a coordination number of 4 can be either square planar (\(dsp^2\) hybridization) or tetrahedral (\(sp^3\) hybridization), largely depending on the \(d\)-electron count and the strength of the ligand field.

Solution:

  • \([Fe(CO)_5]\): Coordination number 5 \(\implies\) Trigonal Bipyramidal.


  • \([Au(Cl)_4]^-\): \(Au^{3+}\) is a \(5d^8\) system. Heavy \(4d\) and \(5d\) metals almost universally form low-spin, Square Planar complexes.


  • \([Pt(NH_3)_4]^{2+}\): \(Pt^{2+}\) is a \(5d^8\) system \(\implies\) Square Planar.


  • \([Cu(CN)_4]^{2-}\): The explanatory notes of the textbook specifically classify this complex as Tetrahedral. (Note: While the test prep Answer Key printed "B", the detailed explanatory note explicitly corrects this to "C" as Tetrahedral).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • \(5d^8\) metals (\(Pt, Au\)) strongly prefer square planar geometries due to immense crystal field splitting energy.

Quality & Fidelity Assurance: Every question on BeambePrep is rigorously curated against the official PMDC syllabus with zero filler, zero out-of-syllabus content, and zero typos. When an authentic past paper originally contained a historical mistake or ambiguity from the examining board (such as UHS or NUMS), BeambePrep faithfully reflects the original paper while detailing the nuance and scientific consensus in the autopsy above.

Want to solve full-length papers under timed exam conditions?

Practice with zero-scroll lockdown sprints, dynamic latency zone timers, live peer selection telemetry, and the automated Amber mistake recovery loop.