AAMC #8, PS Question #41

[circulus vitios]

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I realize that "because it has an unfilled D orbital" makes more sense than "because it has a +2 charge," but why is the "correct" answer even a good answer? Ni does have D orbitals but aren't 4S electrons promoted to the 3D shell, thus filling them?

 

[gwjib04]

Since its a divalent cation, aren't the 2 electrons from 4S lost, not promoted?


This one messed with my head but I think the electronic config of Nickel is [Ar]4s2 3d8
and transition metal cations lose from the highest n level which is 4s making Ni(II) [Ar]3d8

If it were trivalent, (I don't think Nickel has that redox state though), then it goes down to 3d7

 

[circulus vitios]

Since its a divalent cation, aren't the 2 electrons from 4S lost, not promoted?


This one messed with my head but I think the electronic config of Nickel is [Ar]4s2 3d8
and transition metal cations lose from the highest n level which is 4s making Ni(II) [Ar]3d8

If it were trivalent, (I don't think Nickel has that redox state though), then it goes down to 3d7

I just realized I'm a complete idiot. I was thinking elemental Ni, not Ni(II). 😳