Drawing and naming coordination complexes

A systematic approach to drawing and naming coordination complexes.

For the complex K₃[Cr(C₂O₄)₃].3H₂O

Q1) What is the central metal ion?

Q2) What is its oxidation state?

Q3) What is its electronic configuration?

Q4) What is its coordination number?

Q5) What is the shape of the ion?

Q6) What is the magnetic moment?

Q7) Can the structure have isomers?

Q8) Draw one isomer.

Q9) What is the IUPAC name of the complex?

For the complex K₃[Cr(C₂O₄)₃].3H₂O

A1) Central metal is Chromium

A2) O.S. is III, (Cr(III)

A3) electronic configuration is d³ (t_2g³ e_g⁰)

A4) C.N. is 6 (3 bidentate ligands present)

A5) structure is octahedral

A6) the calculated magnetic moment is 3.89 B.M.
(based on 3 unpaired electrons)

A7) Yes, optical isomers are possible

A8) one isomer is shown below:

A9) Potassium tris(oxalato)chromate(III) trihydrate
or Potassium trioxalatochromate(III) trihydrate.

Created and maintained by Prof. Robert J. Lancashire,
The Department of Chemistry, University of the West Indies,
Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica.

Created February 1997. Links checked and/or last modified 19th January 2014.
URL http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm/courses/coordtop.html