Inorganic chemistry: d-Metal complexes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on understanding how to determine the type of d-metal complex for specific molecules, particularly chromium complexes with different ligands. Participants explore methods for calculating the d-electron count based on oxidation states and the periodic table, as well as the influence of ligands on the metal's electron configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on how to calculate the d-electron count for chromium complexes, specifically [Cr(H2O)6]2+ and [Cr(CN)6]4-.
  • Another participant suggests considering the number of valence electrons and the effect of ligands on the metal.
  • A different participant explains a method for determining d-electron count by identifying the metal, counting periodic table columns for valence electrons, determining oxidation state, and subtracting the oxidation state from the valence count.
  • One participant notes that chromium is an exception and provides a calculation for its d-electron count based on its valence electrons and charge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various methods for calculating d-electron counts, but there is no consensus on a single approach. Some participants emphasize different counting systems (ionic vs. covalent) and the role of ligands, indicating a lack of agreement on a definitive method.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about oxidation states and ligand effects are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the differences between counting systems or the implications of ligand types on d-electron configurations.

jsundberg
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I need some help, in explaining how to know what kind of d-metal complex a molecule is.

For example, I have:
1. [Cr(H2O)6]2+
2. [Cr(CN)6]4-

I know that #1 is d4, and #2 is d3, but that's just because it says so in my paper. How do I "calculate" it if that information is not given? Many thanks!

:eek:

(My english sucks, hope you understand what I mean).
 
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How many valence electrons are there in each? (Hint-look at the charge)
How do the ligands on each metal effect it?
 
It all depends on if you are using the ionic counting system of the covalent counting system.

It looks like the 2 examples are using the ionic system.

Let me try to give a step by step way to tell the d-electron count on your metal.

  1. Identify your metal and locate it on the periodic table.
  2. Count the number columns on the periodic table starting in the first row, the alkali metals, and ending in the row of your TM. This is the number of valence electrons in the neutral metal atom in a ligand or crystal field. In the case of chromium, this is 6, so it would be d6.
  3. Determine its oxidation state [in #1 and #2 it's Cr(II)]
  4. Subtract the oxidation state number from the number you got by counting periodic columns and you know the number of d-valence electrons on your central metal atom.
 
jsundberg said:
I need some help, in explaining how to know what kind of d-metal complex a molecule is.

For example, I have:
1. [Cr(H2O)6]2+
2. [Cr(CN)6]4-

I know that #1 is d4, and #2 is d3, but that's just because it says so in my paper. How do I "calculate" it if that information is not given? Many thanks!

:eek:

(My english sucks, hope you understand what I mean).

Cr is an exception. it has 6 valence electrons, so since water is neutral Cr is 2+ charge, so d = (6-2) = 4
CN has -1 charge so Cr charge is +2 => d=6-2 = 4
 

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