Question

Copper(I) complexes tend to be tetrahedral rather than octahedral or square planar. Why is this the case? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

The ion is d^10

Step-by-step explanation:

Tetrahedral geometry is one in which the central atom/ion is located at the center of four ligands positioned at the corners of a tetrahedron.

It is different from a square planar complex wherein the ligands are positioned at the corners of a square with the central atom/ion at the center of the square.

Tetrahedral complexes are more common with d^10 species.The electronic configuration of Cu I is [Ar]3d104s1. Hence, a tetrahedral geometry is preferred over a square planar geometry.