key term - [Fe(CN)6]4-

Definition

[Fe(CN)6]4- is a complex ion consisting of an iron(II) center coordinated to six cyanide ligands. It is an important example of coordination chemistry in transition metal complexes and is studied in the context of 19.2 Coordination Chemistry of Transition Metals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The iron(II) center in [Fe(CN)6]4- has an oxidation state of +2.
2. The cyanide ligands (CN-) are monodentate, meaning each ligand binds to the iron center through a single coordination bond.
3. The [Fe(CN)6]4- complex has a tetrahedral molecular geometry due to the four lone pairs of electrons on the iron center.
4. Complexes like [Fe(CN)6]4- are formed through the process of coordination, where ligands bind to a central metal atom or ion.
5. The [Fe(CN)6]4- complex is an example of a low-spin complex, where the d-orbitals of the iron center are fully paired.

Review Questions

• Describe the structure and bonding in the [Fe(CN)6]4- complex.
  • The [Fe(CN)6]4- complex consists of an iron(II) center with an oxidation state of +2, surrounded by six cyanide (CN-) ligands. The iron center is in a low-spin configuration, with the d-orbitals fully paired. The cyanide ligands are monodentate, meaning each ligand binds to the iron center through a single coordination bond. The overall complex has a tetrahedral molecular geometry due to the four lone pairs of electrons on the iron center.
• Explain the role of coordination chemistry in the formation of the [Fe(CN)6]4- complex.
  • The formation of the [Fe(CN)6]4- complex is an example of coordination chemistry, where the iron(II) center acts as the central metal atom, and the cyanide ligands bind to it. This process of coordination allows the iron center to achieve a stable electronic configuration by sharing its valence electrons with the ligands. The specific arrangement of the ligands around the metal center, as well as the oxidation state of the metal, are key factors that determine the properties and reactivity of the resulting coordination complex.
• Analyze the significance of the [Fe(CN)6]4- complex in the context of 19.2 Coordination Chemistry of Transition Metals.
  • The [Fe(CN)6]4- complex is a crucial example in the study of coordination chemistry of transition metals, as outlined in section 19.2. It demonstrates the ability of transition metals to form stable coordination complexes with a variety of ligands, in this case, the cyanide ion. The complex's tetrahedral geometry, low-spin configuration, and oxidation state of the iron center are all important characteristics that illustrate the principles of coordination chemistry, such as the factors that influence the structure and stability of transition metal complexes. Understanding the properties and behavior of complexes like [Fe(CN)6]4- is essential for comprehending the broader applications of coordination chemistry in areas such as catalysis, bioinorganic chemistry, and materials science.

Related terms

Coordination Complex: A coordination complex is a central metal atom or ion surrounded by a specific arrangement of ligands.

Ligand:

A ligand is an atom, ion, or molecule that is bonded to a central metal atom or ion in a coordination complex.

Oxidation State:

The oxidation state of an atom in a compound is the degree of oxidation of that atom, which is the number of electrons it has lost or gained.