Explain the geometry of [Cr(NH3)6]3+ ion by valence bond theory of complexes. Why is this not diamagnetic?
Electronic configuration of Cr is 4s1 3d5. In the complex [Cr(NH3)6]3+ Cr is in the +3 oxidation state i.e., d3 configuration. Also, NH3 is a weak field ligand that does not cause the pairing of the electrons in the 3d orbital.
Therefore, it undergoes d2sp3 hybridization and the electrons in the 3d orbitals remain unpaired. Hence, it is paramagnetic in nature.