The complex ion NidppeCl2 can either have a tetrahedral geometry or a square planar geometry around the interior Ni2 ion. When tested, NidppeCl2 proved to be diamagnetic. Based on crystal field theory, what is the geometry around the central Ni ion

Square planar

Explanation:

Ni^2+ is a d8 ion. It could exist in either a square planar or a tetrahedral geometry depending on the identity of the ligand. However, strong field ligands often lead to a square planar geometry owing to a greater crystal field splitting.

From the splitting diagrams of nickel II ion in tetrahedral and square planar geometries, it can easily be seen that a diamagnetic complex only arises from the square planar geometry.

Note that both tetrahedral and square planar geometries involve a coordination number of four.

lol idk man i guess u gotta ask bill nye the science guy