Question

Assertion: The complex [Fe(H₂O)₆]²⁺ is paramagnetic in nature.

Reason: It consists of two unpaired electrons.

Options

• If both Assertion and Reason are CORRECT and Reason is the CORRECT explanation of the Assertion.

• If both Assertion and Reason are CORRECT but Reason is not the CORRECT explanation of the Assertion.

• If Assertion is CORRECT but Reason is INCORRECT.

• If Assertion is INCORRECT but Reason is CORRECT.

Answer 1

If Assertion is CORRECT but Reason is INCORRECT.

Explanation:

[Fe(H₂O)₆]²⁺ is paramagnetic. This is correct because Fe²⁺ (with an electron configuration of [Ar] 3d⁶) has unpaired electrons in its 3d orbitals, making the complex paramagnetic.

The reason that it “consists of two unpaired electrons” is incorrect. In the octahedral field, Fe²⁺ typically has four unpaired electrons due to the weak field nature of H₂O as a ligand, which does not cause pairing of electrons in the 3d orbitals. Therefore, the reason does not fully explain the assertion.