Crystal Field Splitting Energy
The energy difference between the sets of d orbitals produced when a ligand field lifts their degeneracy.
Formula / equation
Δ₀ or Δ_t
Unit
cm⁻¹
In depth
Denoted delta, the splitting increases with ligand field strength, with metal oxidation state and down a transition series. Its magnitude relative to the electron pairing energy determines whether a complex is high or low spin, and it sets the wavelength of light absorbed.
Examples in the real world
[Cr(H₂O)₆]³⁺ has Δ₀ = 17,400 cm⁻¹, while the cyanide complex reaches 26,600 cm⁻¹.