Topic 13 – Oxidation number of metal ions www.msjchem.

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Oxidation number of metal ions

1. In which complexes does iron have an oxidation number of +3?

I. [Fe(H2O)6]3+

II. [Fe(H2O)5(CN)]2+

III. [Fe(CN)6]3–

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III

2. Deduce the oxidation number of cobalt in the following species.

(i) [Co(H2O)6]2+

(ii) Co2(SO4)3

(iii) [CoCl4]2–

3. Transition elements form complexes such as [Fe(CN)6]4– and [FeCl4]–. Deduce the
oxidation number of iron in each of these complex ions.

[Fe(CN)6]4–

[FeCl4]–

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Topic 13 – Oxidation number of metal ions www.msjchem.com

Answers:

1) D – the charge on CN- is 1- and water has no charge.

2)
(i) +2

(ii) +3

(iii) +2

3) [Fe(CN)6]4– = +2
[FeCl4]– = +3

MSJChem – tutorials for IB chemistry www.msjchem.com