Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2409 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Twin: The Low-Spin Complex
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The idea
A low-spin complex forms when splitting is large enough that pairing electrons in a lower orbital costs less than promoting one higher, minimizing unpaired electrons.
In practice
[Fe(CN)6]4−, with cyanide as a strong-field ligand, is low-spin, carrying zero unpaired electrons among six.
Where people slip
Comparing a complex's spin state to a different metal, not the same metal's weak- versus strong-field alternative, misses what varies here.
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