What is the charge of iron in the following complex: [Fe(H2O)6]Cl2 ?

When attempting to answer a question about complexes, you need to think about three things: the identity of the metal (and its oxidation number), type of ligand (i.e. if it's neutral like H2O or has a negative charge like Cl-, if it's monodentate or polydentate) and the charge of the whole complex.Let's start from the end: charge of the complex isn't stated so you need to figure it out from the counter-ion, which is chloride, Cl-. In order to balance the charge of 2 chloride ions (-1 each), we need a +2 charge, so this is the charge of the complex. The type of ligand in this case is just water, a neutral molecule (i.e. its charge = 0). Therefore, if the whole complex has a charge +2 and the ligand has charge 0, it means that the +2 charge comes from the metal: Fe 2+.

Answered by Chemistry tutor

16865 Views

See similar Chemistry IB tutors

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain why average bond enthalpies can be used for cyclohexane but not for benzene


What is the difference between SN1 and SN2 reactions, and how do you determine via which mechanism the reaction will proceed?


Describe and compare three features of the structure and bonding in the three allotropes of carbon: diamond, graphite and C60 fullerene.


Explain whether the boiling point of 1-bromopentane will be higher, lower or the same as that of 2-bromo-2-methylbutane. (3)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences