Valence Bond Theory, Crystal Field Theory & Molecular Orbital Theory
Start with the big picture
VBT connects coordination geometry with metal hybrid orbitals and uses unpaired d electrons to estimate magnetic behavior, but it does not account for several spectral and bonding effects. CFT explains d-orbital splitting in octahedral, tetrahedral, and square-planar fields; comparisons between splitting and pairing energy help describe spin states, while crystal field stabilization energy and Jahn–Teller distortion illuminate electronic structure. The spectrochemical series provides a way to compare ligand field strengths. MOT takes a broader view by combining metal and ligand orbitals into molecular orbitals, including σ and π interactions. Together, these models offer distinct but related ways to interpret transition-metal complexes.
What you'll learn
- Relate VBT hybridization schemes to coordination geometries and inner- or outer-orbital complexes.
- Describe how CFT splits d orbitals in common coordination geometries.
- Connect ligand field strength, pairing energy, and d-electron arrangement to spin state.
- Explain how CFT and MOT address properties and interactions beyond VBT.
- Recognize the roles of CFSE, Jahn–Teller distortion, and d–d transitions.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
