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Ch.23 - Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.23 - Transition Metals and Coordination ChemistryProblem 76
Chapter 23, Problem 76

Complete the exercises below. Which transition metal atom is present in each of the following biologically important molecules: a. hemoglobin, b. chlorophylls, c. siderophores, d. hemocyanin?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the transition metal in hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. It contains a heme group, which is a porphyrin ring complexed with a specific transition metal.
Determine the transition metal in chlorophylls: Chlorophylls are pigments found in plants and are crucial for photosynthesis. They contain a porphyrin ring similar to heme, but with a different central metal atom.
Identify the transition metal in siderophores: Siderophores are molecules that bind and transport iron in microorganisms. They are not proteins but are small, high-affinity iron-chelating compounds.
Determine the transition metal in hemocyanin: Hemocyanin is a protein found in the blood of some invertebrates, functioning similarly to hemoglobin but with a different metal center.
Summarize the transition metals: For each molecule, identify the specific transition metal based on the biological function and structure of the molecule.

Key Concepts

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

Transition Metals

Transition metals are elements found in the d-block of the periodic table, characterized by their ability to form variable oxidation states and complex ions. They play crucial roles in biological systems due to their ability to participate in redox reactions, which are essential for processes like oxygen transport and electron transfer.
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Transition Metals

Biologically Important Molecules

Biologically important molecules are compounds that play vital roles in the functioning of living organisms. Examples include hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, chlorophyll, which is involved in photosynthesis, and siderophores, which are used by bacteria to scavenge iron from their environment. Understanding these molecules helps in grasping their significance in biological processes.
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Heteronuclear Diatomic Molecules

Metal Ions in Biological Systems

Metal ions, particularly transition metals, are integral to the structure and function of many biological molecules. For instance, iron in hemoglobin binds oxygen, while magnesium in chlorophyll is essential for capturing light energy. The specific metal ion present in each molecule often determines its biological function and reactivity.
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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.

Textbook Question

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.