What is the oxidation state of the central iron atom in the hexacyanoferrate(III) complex … — JAMB UTME

What is the oxidation state of the central iron atom in the hexacyanoferrate(III) complex ion, $[Fe(CN)_6]^{3-}$ ?

The oxidation state of the central iron atom in

[Fe(CN)_6]^{3-}

+3

In the complex ion

[Fe(CN)_6]^{3-}

, six anionic cyanide ligands (

CN^-

), each with a

-1

charge, bond to the central iron atom. The sum of the oxidation state of iron (

x

) and the total ligand charge (

6 \times -1 = -6

) equals the overall charge of the complex ion (

-3

). Solving

x - 6 = -3

gives

x = +3

Identify the charge of the ligands and the net charge of the complex ion.

Each cyanide ligand (

CN^-

) carries a

-1

charge. The overall complex ion has a net charge of

-3

Ligand charges must sum with the central metal oxidation state to equal the overall ion charge.

Set up an algebraic equation for the oxidation state of iron (

x

x + 6(-1) = -3 \implies x - 6 = -3 \implies x = +3

Solving the linear algebraic equation yields the precise oxidation state of the central atom.

Determination of central metal oxidation state in complex ions

Estimated Time:45s

Question