The strength of a ligand in the context of field strength refers to its ability to split the \(d\)-orbitals of a transition metal ion, which affects the color, magnetic properties, and stability of the metal complex. Ligands are arranged according to their field strength in the Spectrochemical Series.
According to the Spectrochemical Series, ligands are arranged in the following order of increasing field strength:
\[ I^- < \text{Br}^- < S^{2-} < \text{Cl}^- < \text{F}^- < \text{OH}^- < \text{H}_2\text{O} < \text{NCS}^- < \text{EDTA}^{4-} < \text{NH}_3 < \text{en} < \text{CN}^- < \text{CO} \]
From the Spectrochemical Series:
\[ \text{CO} > \text{H}_2\text{O} > \text{F}^- > S^{2-} \]
The correct sequence in the order of decreasing field strength is:
\[ \text{CO} > \text{H}_2\text{O} > \text{F}^- > S^{2-} \]
which corresponds to Option (1).