Effective atomic number of Co(CO)4is 35, hence it is less stable. It attains stability by

(1) Oxidation of Co
(2) Reduction of Co
(3) Dimerization
(4) Both (2) & (3)

To attain the stable atomic number of of a noble gas the complex dimerizes to form Co2(CO)8. It exist in the eqilibrium as :

In this struucture 1 Co-Co bond is equivalent to two Co-CO-Co bonds. This brings the effective atomic number of Co to 78.

Thus, correct option is 3. Dimerization.

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