Electron count in transition metal complex

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SUMMARY

The total electron count in transition metal complexes, such as W(CO)6 and RuH(Cl)(PPh3)3, is determined by considering the oxidation state and overall charge of the complex. For W(CO)6, which is neutral, the total electron count is calculated as 74 + 6*(12 + 16), resulting in 74 electrons from tungsten and 72 from the six CO ligands. The discussion emphasizes that without specified oxidation states or overall charges, the total electron count cannot be accurately determined. The 18-electron rule is mentioned but noted as rarely used by some researchers.

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  • Familiarity with ligand electron contributions
  • Basic grasp of the 18-electron rule
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plexus0208
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How do I find the total electron count in a transition metal complex? For example, something simple like W(CO)6 or even more complicated like RuH(Cl)(PPh3)3?

(Note: I don't mean "d electron count" [which I know how to find], I mean "total electron count.")
 
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You can't. That's what oxidation numbers are for.

Sure, you might be able to guess; e.g. if one (and only one) oxidation state of tungsten tended to be hexacoodinated. But the short of the long is that if someone hasn't specified the overall charge of the complex or the oxidation state, then they haven't specified the compound.
 
I am not sure I understand the question.

plexus0208 said:
How do I find the total electron count in a transition metal complex? For example, something simple like W(CO)6 or even more complicated like RuH(Cl)(PPh3)3?

What is "total electron count in a complex"?

W(CO)6 is neutral, so there are 74+6*(12+16) electrons in total (if charge is given just subtract it from the number calculated). Which of those electrons count as "electrons in complex", which don't?

--
 
Hmm. I've never ever actually used the 18-electron rule for anything.

Which is saying something since my main research topic involves metallo-organic complexes!
 

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