Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation state of an individual sulfur atom in MgSO4?
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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What is the oxidation state of the central metal ion in K₂[Cr(CN)₆]?
A
+4
B
+3
C
+6
D
+2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the overall charge of the complex ion [Cr(CN)₆]²⁻. Since K₂[Cr(CN)₆] is a neutral compound, the charge of the complex ion must balance the charge of the two potassium ions, which is +2.
Recognize that cyanide (CN⁻) is a ligand with a charge of -1. Since there are six cyanide ligands, the total charge contributed by the cyanide ligands is 6 × (-1) = -6.
Set up an equation to find the oxidation state of chromium (Cr). Let the oxidation state of Cr be x. The equation will be: x + (-6) = -2, where -2 is the charge of the complex ion.
Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation state of Cr. Rearrange the equation to x = -2 + 6.
Calculate the value of x to determine the oxidation state of the central metal ion, Cr.
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