The relative sizes of the Cr(III), Mn(III), Fe(III), and Co(III) ions in low-spin octahedral complexes

Abstract

The prediction of ligand-field theory that for low-spin octahedral complexes the size should decrease along the series Cr(III), Mn(III), Fe(III), and Co(III) has been examined by comparing the lattice constants of the complex cyanides of formula K₃M^III(CN)₆; a steady decrease along the series provides substantial evidence that the prediction is correct.