JEE Main 2026 — Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry

2026mcqmedium

Which of the following are true about the energy of the given d-orbitals of a tetrahedral complex?

A. $d_{xy} = d_{xz} > d_{x^2-y^2}$

B. $d_{xy} = d_{yz} > d_{z^2}$

C. $d_{x^2-y^2} > d_{z^2} > d_{xz}$

D. $d_{x^2-y^2} = d_{z^2} < d_{xz}$

Choose the correct answer from the given below:

Official previous-year question

Held on 6 Apr 2026 · Verified 6 Jul 2026.

Options

A
A, B and D only
B
A and B only
C
B and D only
D
B, C and D only

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Solution

In a tetrahedral complex, the five d-orbitals split into two sets due to the crystal field created by the ligands.

The ligands approach the central metal ion between the axes. The $d_{xy}$ , $d_{yz}$ , and $d_{xz}$ orbitals (forming the $t_2$ set) point between the axes, experiencing greater repulsion from the ligands, and thus have higher energy.

The $d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $d_{z^2}$ orbitals (forming the $e$ set) point along the axes, experiencing lesser repulsion, and thus have lower energy.

Therefore, the energy order is $d_{xy} = d_{yz} = d_{xz} > d_{x^2-y^2} = d_{z^2}$ .

Evaluating the given statements:

A. $d_{xy} = d_{xz} > d_{x^2-y^2}$ is true.

B. $d_{xy} = d_{yz} > d_{z^2}$ is true.

C. $d_{x^2-y^2} > d_{z^2} > d_{xz}$ is false.

D. $d_{x^2-y^2} = d_{z^2} < d_{xz}$ is true.

Hence, statements A, B, and D are true.

Answer: A, B and D only

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Solution

In a tetrahedral complex, the five d-orbitals split into two sets due to the crystal field created by the ligands.

The $d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $d_{z^2}$ orbitals (forming the $e$ set) point along the axes, experiencing lesser repulsion, and thus have lower energy.

Therefore, the energy order is $d_{xy} = d_{yz} = d_{xz} > d_{x^2-y^2} = d_{z^2}$ .

Evaluating the given statements:

A. $d_{xy} = d_{xz} > d_{x^2-y^2}$ is true.

B. $d_{xy} = d_{yz} > d_{z^2}$ is true.

C. $d_{x^2-y^2} > d_{z^2} > d_{xz}$ is false.

D. $d_{x^2-y^2} = d_{z^2} < d_{xz}$ is true.

Hence, statements A, B, and D are true.

Answer: A, B and D only

JEE Main 2026 — Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry

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JEE Main 2026 — Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry

Options

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Solution

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JEE Main Inorganic Chemistry in other years

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Other Chemistry topics for JEE Main

Physical Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

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