Why is the Geometry of the Metal Complex Important?
The geometry of a metal complex (e.g., octahedral, tetrahedral, square planar) significantly affects the crystal field splitting and thus the electronic structure of the metal ion. Different geometries lead to different splitting patterns and magnitudes of Δ, influencing the catalytic behavior. For instance, an octahedral geometry typically results in a larger Δ than a tetrahedral geometry, potentially leading to different reactivity profiles.
