Multiplet Splittings in Trigonal Cr(III) Complexes

The magnetic g factors and the zero field splittings of the 4 A 2 , 2 E, 2 T 1 and 2 T 2 states, all derived from the (t 2 ) 3 configuration, are re-examined. In particular the early work of Sugano and Tanabe, and the later, more precise analysis of Macfarlane are compared. The utility of the Hamiltonian applied to a Russell-Saunders multiplet is demonstrated. Some examples of trigonal Cr(III) complexes are used to illustrate outer sphere perturbations as well as limitations in the conventional ligand field model.