Question

The structure of diamagnetic nickel complex, ${\left[Ni(CN{)}_4\right]}^{2-}$ is

• A. trigonal bipyramidal
• B. tetrahedral
• C. square planar
• D. distorted octahedral

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

In ${\left[Ni(CN{)}_4\right]}^{2-}$,
nickel is in $+2$ oxidation state
and has electronic configuration $3d^8$.
Orbitals of $N{i}^{2+}$ ion
$ds{p}^2$ hybridised orbitals of $N{i}^{2+}$
${\left[Ni(CN{)}_4\right]}^{2-}$ low spin complex
Therefore, the shape is square planar and the hybridisation involved is $ds{p}^2$.