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Ch.23 - Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry
All textbooksBrown 15th EditionCh.23 - Transition Metals and Coordination ChemistryProblem 71c
Chapter 23, Problem 71c

Sketch the structure of the complex in each of the following compounds and give the full compound name:
c. trans-NH3[Co(C2O4)2(H2O)2]

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1
Identify the central metal atom in the complex, which in this case is Cobalt (Co).
Recognize the ligands attached to the central metal. Here, the ligands are ammonia (NH3), oxalate (C2O4)2-, and water (H2O).
Determine the geometry of the complex. Cobalt typically forms octahedral complexes, meaning six ligands are symmetrically arranged around the cobalt.
Arrange the ligands in a trans configuration as specified. In a trans configuration, similar ligands are opposite each other. Place the two ammonia ligands opposite each other, and the two water molecules opposite each other, with the oxalate ligands occupying the remaining positions.
Write the full name of the compound: trans-diamminediaquabis(oxalato)cobalt(III).

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Key Concepts

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

Coordination Compounds

Coordination compounds consist of a central metal atom or ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions known as ligands. The arrangement and types of ligands influence the properties and reactivity of the complex. Understanding the nature of these interactions is crucial for sketching the structure of coordination complexes.
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Coordination Compound Naming

Ligands

Ligands are ions or molecules that can donate a pair of electrons to a central metal atom to form a coordinate bond. They can be classified as monodentate, bidentate, or polydentate based on the number of donor atoms they possess. In the given compound, oxalate (C2O4) acts as a bidentate ligand, coordinating through two oxygen atoms.
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Ligands Example

Geometric Isomerism

Geometric isomerism occurs in coordination compounds when ligands can be arranged differently around the central metal atom, leading to distinct spatial configurations. In the case of the given compound, the 'trans' designation indicates that the ligands are positioned opposite each other, which affects the compound's properties and reactivity.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Sketch the structure of the complex in each of the following compounds and give the full compound name:

a. cis-[Co(NH3)4(H2O)2] (NO3)2

Textbook Question

Sketch the structure of the complex in each of the following compounds and give the full compound name:

b. Na2[Ru(H2O)Cl5]

Textbook Question

Sketch the structure of the complex in each of the following compounds and give the full compound name:

d. cis-[Ru(en)2Cl2]

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.