Naming a coordination compound

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In summary, a coordination compound is a molecule that consists of a central metal ion or atom bonded to one or more ligands. These compounds have unique properties and are used in various applications. To name a coordination compound, the ligands must be identified and listed alphabetically with prefixes indicating their quantity. The metal ion is named using its full or Latin name with a Roman numeral if it has a variable charge. Cations are positively charged and attracted to negatively charged ligands, while anions are negatively charged and attracted to positively charged metal ions. Two coordination compounds cannot have the same name, as it is determined by the type and number of ligands and the metal ion. The oxidation state of a metal ion in a coordination compound is determined by
  • #1
A_lilah
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Homework Statement



Name the complex CrCl2(en)2. The oxidation number of chromium is +2

Homework Equations



when there are two (en)s, you use bis instead of di because it is bidentate

The Attempt at a Solution



bis-ethylenediaminedichlorocromide(II)
bisethylenediaminedichlorocromide(II)

I've checked the spelling, etc., a couple of times and I'm not sure what is wrong with it...
 
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  • #2
bis(something) not bis-something.

Cr is not cromide. Remember that the -ide suffix is used to denote an anion, not a cation. In this example, chromium is in the +2 oxidation state, a cation.
 
  • #3


The correct name for this coordination compound is bis(ethylenediamine)dichlorochromium(II). The use of "bis" instead of "di" is correct because ethylenediamine is a bidentate ligand, meaning it can form two bonds with the central chromium ion. The "II" in parentheses indicates the oxidation state of the chromium ion, which is +2 in this case. It is important to follow the correct naming conventions for coordination compounds to accurately represent the composition and structure of the compound.
 

1. What is a coordination compound?

A coordination compound is a type of molecule that consists of a central metal ion or atom bonded to one or more ligands, which are molecules or ions that donate electrons to the metal ion. These compounds are known for their unique chemical and physical properties, and they often have important applications in industry and medicine.

2. How do you name a coordination compound?

To name a coordination compound, you must first identify the metal ion and the ligands present. Then, follow the following steps:
1. Write the name of the ligands in alphabetical order, using the full name of each ligand.
2. Indicate the number of each ligand by adding a prefix (di-, tri-, tetra-) before the ligand name.
3. Write the name of the metal ion, using its full name if it has a variable charge or its Latin name if it has a fixed charge.
4. If the metal ion has a variable charge, indicate the charge using Roman numerals in parentheses after the metal name.
5. If the compound is an anion, change the ending of the metal name to -ate.
For example, the coordination compound [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Br is named tetraamminechloridocobalt(II)bromide.

3. What is the difference between a cation and an anion in a coordination compound?

In a coordination compound, a cation is a positively charged ion that is attracted to the negatively charged ligands. It is typically a metal ion, such as Co2+ in the compound mentioned above. An anion, on the other hand, is a negatively charged ion that is attracted to the positively charged metal ion. In the compound mentioned above, Cl- and Br- are both anions.

4. Can two coordination compounds have the same name?

No, two coordination compounds cannot have the same name. The name of a coordination compound is determined by the type and number of ligands, as well as the metal ion present. Therefore, even if two compounds have the same chemical formula, they will have different names if they have different ligands or metal ions.

5. How do you determine the oxidation state of a metal ion in a coordination compound?

The oxidation state of a metal ion in a coordination compound is determined by the charges of the ligands and the overall charge of the compound. The sum of the charges of the ligands must equal the overall charge of the compound. For example, in the compound [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Br, the overall charge is 0 because the compound is neutral. This means that the charge of Co must be +2, as NH3 has a charge of 0, Cl has a charge of -1, and Br has a charge of -1. Therefore, the oxidation state of Co is +2.

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