Spinels are described in Study Question 53. Consider two normal spinels, CoAl₂O₄ and SnCo₂O₄. What metal ions are involved in each? What are their electron configurations? Are the metal ions paramagnetic, and if so how many unpaired electrons are involved?

Data given in Question 53

Spinels are solids with the general formula AB₂O₄ (where A²⁺ and B³⁺ are metal cations of the same or different metals). The best-known example is common magnetite, Fe₃O₄ [which you can formulate as (Fe²⁺)(Fe³⁺)₂O₄]. Another example is the mineral often referred to as spinel, MgAl₂O₄.