Class NEET 2026 ALL Q #1973
KNOWLEDGE BASED
APPLY
4 Marks 2026 NTA-RE-NEET-2026 MCQ SINGLE
According to crystal field theory, the correct order of ligands with respect to their decreasing order of field strength is
(A) $Cl^{-}>NH_{3}>H_{2}O>CO$
(B) $CO>NH_{3}>H_{2}O>Cl^{-}$
(C) $CO>H_{2}O>NH_{3}>Cl^{-}$
(D) $Cl^{-}>H_{2}O>NH_{3}>CO$
Correct Answer: B

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Detailed Solution

Step 1: Understanding Spectrochemical Series

The Spectrochemical Series is an experimentally determined arrangement of ligands in the order of their increasing field strength (or increasing crystal field splitting energy, $\Delta$). Ligands that cause larger splitting are called strong field ligands, while those causing smaller splitting are weak field ligands.

Step 2: Analyzing the Ligands

Based on the spectrochemical series, the relative field strengths are as follows: $$CO > CN^{-} > en > NH_{3} > H_{2}O > F^{-} > Cl^{-} > Br^{-} > I^{-}$$

Step 3: Comparing the Options

We need to arrange the given ligands ($Cl^{-}, NH_{3}, H_{2}O, CO$) in decreasing order of field strength:

  • $CO$ is a strong $\pi$-acceptor ligand (strongest field).
  • $NH_{3}$ is a strong $\sigma$-donor ligand.
  • $H_{2}O$ is a weak field ligand.
  • $Cl^{-}$ is a weak field halide ligand (weakest field).
The correct decreasing order is: $CO > NH_{3} > H_{2}O > Cl^{-}$.

Final Answer: Option (B)

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because the student must recall the spectrochemical series and apply the knowledge of ligand field strengths to rank them correctly.
Knowledge Dimension: CONCEPTUAL
Justification: The question tests the understanding of the theoretical framework of Crystal Field Theory and the classification of ligands based on their electronic properties.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of NEET, this is classified as KNOWLEDGE. This is a standard topic in Coordination Compounds, frequently tested in competitive exams to evaluate memory and conceptual clarity of chemical bonding principles.