Question

What is the hybridization of $Ni$ in $Ni{(Dmg)_2}$?

Answer 1

Hint: Mixing and recasting of orbitals of a same atom with nearly the same energy to form new equivalent orbitals with definite orientation and maximum symmetry in space is known as hybridization. The geometry of a molecule depends upon its hybridization.

Complete answer:
The structure of $Ni{(Dmg)_2}$ is as follows:

Nickel in the given complex exist in its $ + 2$ oxidation state and electronic configuration of nickel is represented as follows:
Atomic number of nickel $ = 28$
At ground state, the electronic configuration of Ni $ = [Ar]3{d^8}4{s^2}$
At $ + 2$ oxidation state, the atom will lose two electrons from the valence shell and the electronic configuration will be as follows:
$N{i^{ + 2}} = [Ar]3{d^8}4{s^0}$
Sketch of orbitals of $N{i^{2 + }}$ are represented as follows:

Now, Dmg i.e., dimethylglyoxime as a ligand form a bond through nitrogen atoms, so it is considered as a strong field ligand and force the unpaired electrons to pair up. Thus, the incoming electrons will be filled in the inner d orbital and vacant s and p orbitals respectively as shown in the figure below:

Therefore, the hybridization state of nickel in the given complex is $ds{p^2}$.

Note:
Remember that hybridization is the major factor to decide the geometry of a coordination complex. As the hybridization of the complex is found to be $ds{p^2}$, so the equivalent geometry of the complex is square planar as the inner d-orbital is involved in the bonding. However, the type of ligand decides the magnetic property of the complex. Here, the ligand was stable because of chelation and hydrogen bonding, so pairing of electrons takes place and no unpaired electron is left in the orbitals. Thus, the complex is diamagnetic in nature.