The metal-carbon bond in metal carbonyl possesses

Options

(a) only s character
(b) only p character
(c) both s and p character
(d) only d character

Correct Answer:

only p character

Explanation:

In a metal carbonyl, the metal-carbon bond possesses both the σ – and π- character. A σ-bond between metal and carbon atom is formed when a vacant hybrid bond of the metal atom overlaps with an orbital on C-atom of carbon monoxide containing a lone pair of electrons.Formation of π- bond is caused when a filled orbital of the metal atom overlaps with a vacant antibonding π orbital of C atom of carbon monoxide (back donation).