JEE Main 2026 — Coordination Compounds Question with Solution

In a tetrahedral complex, the five d-orbitals split into two sets due to the crystal field created by the ligands.

The ligands approach the central metal ion between the axes. The $d_{xy}$, $d_{yz}$, and $d_{xz}$ orbitals (forming the $t_2$ set) point between the axes, experiencing greater repulsion from the ligands, and thus have higher energy.

The $d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $d_{z^2}$ orbitals (forming the $e$ set) point along the axes, experiencing lesser repulsion, and thus have lower energy.

Therefore, the energy order is $d_{xy}=d_{yz}=d_{xz}>d_{x^2-y^2}=d_{z^2}$.

Evaluating the given statements:
A. $d_{xy}=d_{xz}>d_{x^2-y^2}$ is true.
B. $d_{xy}=d_{yz}>d_{z^2}$ is true.
C. $d_{x^2-y^2}>d_{z^2}>d_{xz}$ is false.
D. $d_{x^2-y^2}=d_{z^2}<d_{xz}$ is true.

Hence, statements A, B, and D are true.

Answer: A, B and D only