Carbon-Silver-Carbon Angle in [Ag(CN)2]-

[elitewarr]

Homework Statement

What is the carbon-silver-carbon angle in the complex ion [Ag(CN)2]-??

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

The answer is 180 degrees why? I thought that complex ion is a ionic compound? If so, how would the shape be like? Thanks.

 

[Rajini]

Hello,
please have a look at 'cyanide' and 'p orbital' for details..on wiki
hopefully you will valuable information.

 

[elitewarr]

Oh...
"the dicyanides [M(CN)2]− (M = Cu, Ag, Au), which are linear in geometry." from wiki
But why? M is the ligand and both CN- are bonded with M. So the ionic bond in between them is at 180 degrees?

 

[Fightfish]

The bond between the CN- ions and the Ag+ ion is not ionic, but covalent. The complex ion [Ag(CN)2]- is a coordination complex.