The coordination number of the central metal ion in a complex is
- A. the charge on the complex ion
- B. the number of ligands in the solution
- C. the number of dative bonds formed between the ligands and the metal ion
- D. the oxidation state of the metal
Explanation
Coordination number counts the bonds to the central ion, so it is six in the octahedral hexaaquairon complex and four in the tetrahedral tetrachlorocuprate ion. It is not the same as the oxidation state, which counts the charge the metal would carry if the ligands were removed with their electron pairs. A single bidentate ligand such as ethylenediamine contributes two to the coordination number.
Related questions
The electronic configuration of chromium, atomic number 24, is
When a transition metal forms a positive ion, the electrons are lost first from
Transition metal compounds are usually coloured because
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic property of transition elements?
Transition metals show variable oxidation states because