Question

The spin only magnetic moment of [MnBr₄]^2‐ is 5.9 B.M. Predict the geometry of the complex ion. 

[ Atomic number of Mn = 25]

Answer 1

Since the coordination number of Mn²⁺ ion in the complex ion is 4, it will be either tetrahedral (sp³ hybridisation) or square planar (dsp² hybridisation). But the fact that the magnetic moment of the complex ion is 5.9 BM, it should be tetrahedral in shape rather than square planar because of the presence of five unpaired electrons in the d orbitals.