Question

Determine the overall charge on each complex.a) tetrachlorocuprate(i)b) pentaamminechlorocobalt(iii)c) diaquadichloroethylenediaminecobalt(iii)

Answer 1

Complex a: tetrachlorocuprate(i)
In present complex chlorine is negatively charged ligand (-1) and oxidation state of copper is +1. Therefore, total charge on complex = 4(-1) + 1 = -3

Complex b: pentaamminechlorocobalt(iii)
In present complex, ammine is a neutral ligand (charge = 0), chlorine is negatively charged ligand (charge = -1) and oxidation state of Co is +3. Therefore, total charge on complex is 5(0) + (-1) + (+3) = +2

Complex c: diaquadichloroethylenediaminecobalt(iii)
In present complex, aqua is a neutral ligand (charge = 0), chlorine is a negatively charged ligand (charge = -1), ethylenediamine is a neutral ligand (charge = 0) and oxidation state of cobalt is +3. Therefore, total charge on complex is 2(0) + 2(-1) + 2(0) + 3 = +1.