Which of the following statements is correct? — Coordination Compounds Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Co^3+ is a 3d^6 transition metal ion. In [CoF6]^3-, F^- is a weak-field ligand, so the complex is high-spin and utilizes outer d-orbitals for hybridization (sp^3d^2, outer orbital complex). Step 2: In [Co(NH3)6]^3+, NH3 is a strong-field ligand that forces pairing, so the complex is low-spin and utilizes inner d-orbitals for hybridization (d^2sp^3, inner orbital complex). Step 3: Therefore, the statement that [CoF6]^3- is an outer orbital complex and [Co(NH3)6]^3+ is an inner orbital complex is correct, matching option (d).