When degenerate d-orbitals of an isolated atom/ion come under influence of magnetic field of ligands β Coordination Compounds Chemistry Question
Question
When degenerate d-orbitals of an isolated atom/ion come under influence of magnetic field of ligands, the degeneracy is lost. The two set t2g (d_xy, d_yz, d_zx) and eg (d_z^2, d_x^2-y^2) are either stabilized or destabilized depending upon the nature of magnetic field. It can be expressed diagrammatically as : [SEE DIAGRAM] Value of CFSE depends upon nature of ligand and a spectrochemical series has been made experimentally, for tetrahedral complexes, \Delta is about 4/9 times to \Delta_o (CFSE for octahedral complex). This energy lies in visible region and i.e., why electronic transition are responsible for colour. Such transitions are not possible with d^0 and d^10 configuration.

π‘ Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Metal carbonyls are highly stable when the central metal atom achieves the Effective Atomic Number (EAN) of the next noble gas (for the 3d transition series, Krypton with EAN = 36). Step 2: Calculate the EAN of Mn in Mn(CO)5: 25 (atomic number of Mn) - 0 + 2 * 5 = 35. Step 3: Because Mn(CO)5 is one electron short of the stable EAN of 36, it has a strong tendency to accept one electron (undergo reduction) to form the stable [Mn(CO)5]^- ion, making it act as an oxidizing agent. This corresponds to option (a).