Which from following complexes does NOT obey EAN rule?

Which from following complexes does NOT obey EAN rule?
  1. $\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_6{ }^{3+}$
  2. $\mathrm{Cr}(\mathrm{CO})_6$
  3. $\mathrm{Zn}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_4{ }^{2+}$
  4. $\mathrm{Cu}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_4{ }^{2+}$

Solution

Effective Atomic Number analysis determines which complex violates the noble gas electron count rule.

The EAN equals the sum of metal valence electrons and ligand-donated electrons, aiming for Kr (36), Xe (54), or Rn (86). For monodentate ligands: $\text{EAN} = Z_{\text{metal}} - \text{oxidation state} + 2 \times \text{number of ligands}$.

For $\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{NH}_3)_6^{3+}$: Co atomic number 27, oxidation state +3 gives 24 valence electrons; 6 $\mathrm{NH}_3$ donate 12 electrons. $\text{EAN} = 24 + 12 = 36$, satisfying the rule.

For $\mathrm{Cr}(\mathrm{CO})_6$: Cr atomic number 24, oxidation state 0 gives 24 valence electrons; 6 CO donate 12 electrons. $\text{EAN} = 24 + 12 = 36$, satisfying the rule.

For $\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{NH}_3)_4^{2+}$: Zn atomic number 30, oxidation state +2 gives 28 valence electrons; 4 $\mathrm{NH}_3$ donate 8 electrons. $\text{EAN} = 28 + 8 = 36$, satisfying the rule.

For $\mathrm{Cu}(\mathrm{NH}_3)_4^{2+}$: Cu atomic number 29, oxidation state +2 gives 27 valence electrons; 4 $\mathrm{NH}_3$ donate 8 electrons. $\text{EAN} = 27 + 8 = 35 \neq 36$, violating the rule.

The complex that does not obey the EAN rule is $\boxed{\text{D}}$.

Asked in: MHT CET 2025 (05 May Shift 2)

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