By using the chemical bond theory of dielectric description and electr
onic structure of 3d elements, the mechanism of nephelauxetic effect i
s studied, and the main factors responsible for this effect are identi
fied. These are: the covalency of chemical bond, polarizabilities of l
igand bond volume for the host and the valence and spin state of the c
enter ion. Relationships between these factors are given, and the resu
lts are discussed. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.