Specify the oxidation number of the central metal atom in each of the followingcompounds:(a) [Ru(NH 3 )5 (H 2 O)]Cl2(b) [Cr(NH 3 )6 ](NO3 )3(c) [Fe(CO)5 ](d) K 4 [Fe(CN)6 ]Exercises:Coordination Chemistry

(a) [Ru(NH3)5(H2O)]Cl2: To determine the oxidation number of the central metal atom in this compound, we need to consider the charges of the ligands and the overall charge of the complex.

In this case, NH3 is a neutral ligand, and H2O is also a neutral ligand. The Cl2 ligands have a charge of -1 each.

Since there are five NH3 ligands and one H2O ligand, the total charge from the ligands is 0.

The overall charge of the complex is 2- (from the Cl2 ligands).

To find the oxidation number of the central metal atom (Ru), we can set up the equation:

x + 0 + 0 - 2 = 0

Simplifying the equation, we find that the oxidation number of Ru is +2.

(b) Cr(NH3)63: In this compound, NH3 is a neutral ligand, and NO3 is a negatively charged ligand with a charge of -1 each.

Since there are six NH3 ligands, the total charge from the ligands is 0.

The overall charge of the complex is 3- (from the NO3 ligands).

Setting up the equation:

x + 0 - 3 = 0

Simplifying the equation, we find that the oxidation number of Cr is +3.

(c) [Fe(CO)5]: In this compound, CO is a neutral ligand.

Since there are five CO ligands, the total charge from the ligands is 0.

The overall charge of the complex is 0.

Setting up the equation:

x + 0 = 0

Simplifying the equation, we find that the oxidation number of Fe is 0.

(d) K4[Fe(CN)6]: In this compound, CN is a negatively charged ligand with a charge of -1 each.

Since there are six CN ligands, the total charge from the ligands is -6.

The overall charge of the complex is +4 (from the K4 ligands).

Setting up the equation:

x - 6 + 4 = 0

Simplifying the equation, we find that the oxidation number of Fe is +2.