Question

How do you determine the oxidation state of metal ions?

Answer 1

Well, for `M^(2+)` and `M^(3+)` it's easy, we have `II+` and `III+` oxidation states.

Explanation:

For complex ions such as `MnO_4^-` and `Cr_2O_7^(2-)` you have to do a little more work, but most of it is routine. Oxygen, in all its oxides, assumes an oxidation state of `-II`. Thus the oxidation state of the metal in these oxides is the Group oxidation number, i.e. the maximum oxidation numbers, `Mn(VII+)`, and `Cr(VI+)`. Are you clear on how these designations were obtained?

Can you tell me the metal oxidation states in: `MnO_2`; `ZrCl_4`; `PtCl_4`; `Fe_2O_3`; `Pd(PPh_3)_4`; and `[Fe(C-=N)_6]^(3-)`?