Question

For the complex ion [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻, state the type of hybridisation.

Answer 1

The type of hybridisation for the complex ion Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ is d²sp³. This occurs because the cyanide (CN⁻) ligand is a strong-field ligand, forcing the electrons in Fe³⁺ to pair up, allowing for the use of the inner 3d orbitals (two d orbitals) along with one s and three p orbitals for hybridisation.