Coordination Chemistry: how many ions formed when dissolved

In summary, the conversation discusses the formation of ions when dissolving compounds [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl and [Co(NH3)4]Cl3 in water. The question is raised about the number of moles of ions formed, with confusion about the answer given on a helpful website. The answer clarifies that the question is asking for the total number of moles of ions, not just the moles of chloride ions.
  • #1
bluepen
7
0
Hey,

[Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl

I don't understand how there isn't just one mole of Cl- ions formed when you dissolve one mole of the compound in water. The answer is '2 moles', but I don't see how :(

Another example is
[Co(NH3)4]Cl3
How many moles of ions are formed when 1 mole of this compound dissolves in water?
How is not just 3? The answer says it's 4 moles...

The questions are from this website, which I found quite helpful to quickly revise the topic.
http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/116exams/index.html

:smile: Thanks!
 
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  • #2
It seems you misunderstood the question. The problems ask for the total number of moles of ions, not the number of moles of chloride ions.
 
  • #3
I knew it had to be that obvious! Thanks a million espen180:smile:
 

1. How do you determine the number of ions formed when a coordination compound is dissolved?

The number of ions formed when a coordination compound is dissolved depends on the number of ligands and the charge of the central metal ion. Each ligand will contribute one or more ions, depending on its charge, and the central metal ion will also contribute an ion with its charge. Therefore, the total number of ions formed can be determined by adding the number of ligands and the charge of the central metal ion.

2. Can a coordination compound form more than one type of ion when dissolved?

Yes, a coordination compound can form more than one type of ion when dissolved. This is because different ligands can have different charges and can contribute different numbers of ions. Additionally, the central metal ion can also have different oxidation states, leading to the formation of different ions.

3. How does the concentration of the coordination compound affect the number of ions formed when dissolved?

The concentration of the coordination compound does not affect the number of ions formed when dissolved. The number of ions formed is solely determined by the number of ligands and the charge of the central metal ion, not the amount of the compound present.

4. Can coordination compounds form both positive and negative ions when dissolved?

Yes, coordination compounds can form both positive and negative ions when dissolved. The charge of the ions formed will depend on the overall charge of the coordination compound and the charges of the ligands and central metal ion.

5. How does the solubility of a coordination compound affect the number of ions formed when dissolved?

The solubility of a coordination compound does not affect the number of ions formed when dissolved. The number of ions formed is determined by the chemical structure of the compound, not its solubility. However, the solubility of the compound will affect the concentration of the ions in solution.

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