How can you find oxidation numbers in complex compounds?

1 Answer
Aug 21, 2016

Do you mean oxidation numbers in coordination complexes, e.g. [Fe(CN)6]3, CoCl36, Cr(CO)6?

Explanation:

You have the starting complex, and its charge. Remove the ligands, with their associated charge, and examine the residual charge on the metal centre, which will be the oxidation state.

[Fe(CN)6]36×NC+Fe3+, ferric ion

[CoCl6]36×Cl+Co3+, Co(III).

[Cr(CO)6]6×CO+Cr Cr(0).

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