What is the coordination number and the oxidation state of the central cobalt atom in the complex [Co(en)3]3+?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Coordination number = 6, Oxidation state = +3
- Step 1: Ethylenediamine ('en', ) is a bidentate ligand, meaning each molecule forms two coordinate bonds with the central metal atom via its two nitrogen donor atoms.
- Step 2: With three bidentate ligands, the total number of coordinate bonds donated to cobalt is , giving a coordination number of 6.
- Step 3: Ethylenediamine is a neutral molecule (charge = 0).
- Step 4: The oxidation state of cobalt is .
Answer
Coordination number = 6, Oxidation state = +3
Why not the others: 'Coordination number = 3...' erroneously treats the bidentate ethylenediamine as a monodentate ligand; 'Oxidation state = 0' ignores the +3 overall charge of the complex cation; 'Oxidation state = +6' is chemically impossible for cobalt.
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