Question

During chemistry class, a teacher wrote \[\ce{[Ni(CN)4]^2-}\] as a coordination complex ion on the board. The students were asked to find out the magnetic behaviour and shape of the complex. Pari, a student, wrote the answer paramagnetic and tetrahedral whereas another student Suhail wrote diamagnetic and square planer.

Evaluate Pari’s and Suhail’s responses.

Answer 1

According to Valence Bond Theory (VBT), \[\ce{[Ni(CN)4]^2-}\] is diamagnetic and square planar.

Suhail’s response was correct.