Crystal Field Stabilization Energy Calculator

Calculate CFSE Values and Orbital Energies

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CFSE Calculator

Calculate crystal field stabilization energy for transition metal complexes.

CFSE: -

Complex Stability Calculator

Compare relative stabilities of different metal complexes.

Comparison: -

Understanding Crystal Field Theory

CFSE Basics

Crystal Field Stabilization Energy represents:

  • Orbital Stabilization: Energy gained from d-orbital splitting
  • Electron Distribution: High vs low spin states
  • Geometry Effects: Impact of complex geometry
  • Net Stabilization: Overall energy benefit

Factors Affecting CFSE

Key influences on CFSE values:

  • Metal Ion: d-electron count
  • Ligand Field: Δₒ magnitude
  • Geometry: Coordination environment
  • Spin State: Electronic arrangement
  • Jahn-Teller Effects: Geometric distortions

Applications

CFSE helps explain:

  • Complex stability
  • Reaction energetics
  • Color of complexes
  • Magnetic properties
  • Structural preferences
  • Ligand exchange rates

Advanced Concepts

Additional considerations:

  • Nephelauxetic Effect: Covalency impact
  • Angular Overlap: Directional bonding
  • Racah Parameters: Electronic repulsion
  • Selection Rules: Spectroscopic transitions

Essential CFSE Formulas

Octahedral CFSE

CFSE = (-0.4nt2g + 0.6neg)Δₒ

Tetrahedral CFSE

CFSE = (-0.4ne + 0.6nt2)Δₜ

Δₜ Relationship

Δₜ = 4/9 Δₒ