Important facts for NEET/JEE:
- VBT involves a number of assumptions.
- It does not provide a quantitative interpretation of magnetic data.
- It cannot explain the colour of coordination compounds.
- It does not quantitatively explain the thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of coordination compounds.
- It cannot accurately predict whether a four-coordinate complex will have a tetrahedral or square planar structure.
- It does not distinguish between weak-field and strong-field ligands.
Quick Revision Table
| Property | Limitation of VBT |
|---|---|
| Magnetic behaviour | No quantitative interpretation |
| Colour | Cannot explain |
| Stability | No quantitative interpretation |
| 4-coordinate geometry | Cannot accurately predict tetrahedral vs square planar |
| Ligand strength | Cannot distinguish weak and strong ligands |
NEET/JEE key point: VBT explains hybridisation and bonding in coordination compounds but fails to explain their colour and several quantitative properties.
