What is the coordination number of central metal ion in $\left[\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{C}_2…
What is the coordination number of central metal ion in $\left[\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{C}_2 \mathrm{O}_4\right)_3\right]^{3-}$ ?
2
4
6
12
Solution
Oxalate ligand (bidentate) $\mathrm{C}_2 \mathrm{O}_4{ }^{2-}$ utilizes electron pair on each of its negatively charged oxygen atoms for linking with central metal. Hence, at a time, it coordinates with the metal ion through 2 oxygen atoms.
Therefore, on binding with 3 oxalate ions, the coordination number of $\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}$ will be 6 .
