Crystal field stabilisation energy CFSE

As a consequence, the crystal field stabilisation energy (CFSE) for grafted metal complexes will be less negative than for the original, homogeneous-phase complex, if one starts with aqua complexes (which is most usual in catalyst preparation) or with ammine complexes. Since the change in CFSE is a major component of the adsorption enthalpy AHads- transition metal adsorption is not expected to be strongly exothermic. 

The inert metal complexes such as Cr(III) (CFSE = -1.2A) and Co(III) (CFSE = -2.4A) have large crystal field stabilisation energies. In the case of Co(lII) with six nitrogen donors the CFSE is ca. 250 kJ mof. Energies of this magnitude compare with the values of AH for ligand exchange processes, thus for the reaction. 

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