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Ch.23 - Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.23 - Transition Metals and Coordination ChemistryProblem 77
Chapter 23, Problem 77

Carbon monoxide, CO, is an important ligand in coordination chemistry. When CO is reacted with nickel metal, the product is [Ni(CO)4] which is a toxic, pale yellow liquid.
a. What is the oxidation number for nickel in this compound?
b. Given that [Ni(CO)4] is a diamagnetic molecule with a tetrahedral geometry, what is the electron configuration of nickel in this compound?
c. Write the name for [Ni(CO)4] using the nomenclature rules for coordination compounds.

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1
1. To find the oxidation number of nickel in [Ni(CO)4], remember that the oxidation number of a molecule is the charge it would have if all bonds were ionic. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a neutral ligand, meaning it does not contribute to the overall charge of the complex. Therefore, the oxidation number of nickel in this compound is 0.
2. To determine the electron configuration of nickel in [Ni(CO)4], we need to know the atomic number of nickel, which is 28. This means it has 28 electrons in its neutral state. Since the oxidation state of nickel in this compound is 0, it means that nickel has not lost or gained any electrons, so it still has 28 electrons. The electron configuration of a neutral nickel atom is [Ar] 3d8 4s2. However, in coordination compounds, the 4s electrons are often moved to the 3d orbitals. Therefore, the electron configuration of nickel in this compound is [Ar] 3d10.
3. To name [Ni(CO)4] using the nomenclature rules for coordination compounds, first name the ligands in alphabetical order, then the metal. The prefix 'tetra-' is used to indicate that there are four CO ligands. Since the oxidation state of nickel is 0, no Roman numeral is needed in the name. Therefore, the name of this compound is tetracarbonylnickel.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation Number

The oxidation number is a theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a compound, reflecting its degree of oxidation or reduction. In coordination compounds, the oxidation state of the central metal ion can be determined by considering the charges of the ligands attached to it. For example, in [Ni(CO)4], carbon monoxide (CO) is a neutral ligand, which helps in calculating the oxidation state of nickel.
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Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. For transition metals like nickel, the electron configuration is crucial for understanding their chemical behavior and bonding. In the case of [Ni(CO)4], the electron configuration of nickel must be adjusted to account for the coordination with CO ligands, which can influence the metal's d-orbital occupancy and overall geometry.
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Coordination Compound Nomenclature

Coordination compound nomenclature involves specific rules for naming complexes that include a central metal atom and surrounding ligands. The name typically starts with the ligands listed in alphabetical order, followed by the metal's name, which may include its oxidation state in Roman numerals. For [Ni(CO)4], the name would reflect the neutral CO ligands and the nickel center, adhering to these nomenclature conventions.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

The molecule dimethylphosphinoethane [(CH3)2PCH2CH2P(CH3)2, which is abbreviated dmpe] is used as a ligand for some complexes that serve as catalysts. A complex that contains this ligand is Mo(CO)4(dmpe) .

a. Draw the Lewis structure for dmpe, and compare it with ethylenediamine as a coordinating ligand.

b. What is the oxidation state of Mo in Na2[Mo(CN)2(CO)2(dmpe)] ?

c. Sketch the structure of the [Mo(CN)2(CO)2(dmpe)]2- ion, including all the possible isomers.