Identify the oxidation state of the metal in each of the following compounds.
(a) Co(NH3)3(NO2)3
(b) [Ag(NH3)2]NO3
(c) K3[Cr(C2O4)2Cl2]
(d) Cs[CuCl2]

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that the oxidation state of a compound must sum up to the overall charge of the compound. For neutral compounds, the sum is zero, while for ions, it equals the ion charge.

Step 2: For Co(NH3)3(NO2)3, recognize that NH3 is a neutral ligand and NO2 is a -1 ligand. Set up an equation with the unknown oxidation state of Co and solve for it considering the compound is neutral.

Step 3: For [Ag(NH3)2]NO3, note that NH3 is neutral and NO3 is -1. Since the complex ion [Ag(NH3)2]+ must balance the -1 charge of NO3, determine the oxidation state of Ag in the complex ion.

Step 4: In K3[Cr(C2O4)2Cl2], recognize that K has a +1 charge, C2O4 (oxalate) is a -2 ligand, and Cl is a -1 ligand. Set up an equation for the oxidation state of Cr in the complex ion [Cr(C2O4)2Cl2]3- and solve it.

Step 5: For Cs[CuCl2], identify that Cs has a +1 charge and Cl has a -1 charge. Since the complex ion [CuCl2]- must balance the +1 charge of Cs, determine the oxidation state of Cu in the complex ion.

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Key Concepts

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

Oxidation State

The oxidation state, or oxidation number, is a value that represents the total number of electrons an atom either gains or loses when it forms a compound. It helps in understanding the electron transfer in redox reactions and is crucial for determining the reactivity and stability of compounds. Oxidation states are assigned based on a set of rules, including the fact that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound must equal zero.

Coordination Compounds

Coordination compounds consist of a central metal atom bonded to surrounding molecules or ions, known as ligands. The nature of these ligands can influence the oxidation state of the metal, as they can donate electron pairs to the metal. Understanding the structure and bonding in coordination compounds is essential for determining the oxidation states of the metal ions present.

Common Ligands and Their Charges

Common ligands, such as ammonia (NH3) and nitrite (NO2), have specific charges that contribute to the overall charge of the coordination complex. For example, NH3 is a neutral ligand, while NO2 typically has a -1 charge. Knowing the charges of ligands is vital for calculating the oxidation state of the central metal atom by balancing the total charge of the complex with the oxidation states of the ligands.

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