Chapter 9 Coordination Compounds

Q1.Write down the formula of (a) Tetraamineaquachloridocobalt(III) chloride.

(Comptt. All India 2012) (b) Tris(ethane-1,2-diamine) chromium (III) chloride (c)
Potassium tetrahydroxozincate(II) (All India 2017) (d)Potassium
trioxalatoaluminate (III) (e) Dichloridobis(ethane-l, 2-diamine) cobalt (III) (All India 2017)
f) Pentaamminenitrito-o-Cobalt (III) (Delhi 2015)

Answer:
a)[Co(NH3)4(H2O)Cl]Cl2 b)[Cr(en)3] Cl3 c) K2[Zn(OH)4] d)K3[Al(C2O4)3] e) [Co(Cl)2(en)2]+
[Co(NH3)5(ONO)]2+ f)

Q2.Which complex ion is formed when undecomposed AgBr is washed with hypo
solution in photography? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Sodium dithiosulphato argentate (I) complex is formed

Q3.Give two examples of ligands which form coordination compounds useful in

analytical chemistry. (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Examples :
(i) EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid)
(ii) Dimethyl glyoxime (DMG)
Q4.Which of the following is more stable complex and why?
[Co(NH3)6]3+ and [Co(en)3]3+ (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
[Co(en)3]3+ is more stable complex than [CO(NH3)6]3+ because of chelate effect.

Q5.What is the IUPAC name of the complex a) [Ni(NH3)6]Cl2? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
b) [Co(NH3)6]3+ (Comptt. Delhi 2016) c) [NiCl4]2-. (Comptt. All India 2016) d)
[CO(NH3)6]3+ (Comptt. Delhi 2016) e) [Cr(NH3)4Cl2]+

f) [Cr(NH3)2CI3(en)]Cl (en = ethylenediamine)

Answer:
IUPAC name : a)Hexaamminenickel (II) chloride. B) Hexaamminecobalt (III) ion c)
Tetrachloridonickelate (II) ion d) Hexaamminecobalt (III) ion. e) Tetraamine dichlorido
chromium (III) ion f) Diammine dichlorido ethylenediamine chromium (III) chloride.

Q6.What is meant by chelate effect? (Comptt. All India 2015)

Answer:
Chelate effect : When a bidentate or a polydentate ligand contains donor atoms positioned in
such a way that when they coordinate with the central metal ion, a five or a six membered
ring is formed. This effect is called Chelate effect. As a result, the stability of the complex
increases.
Example: the complex of Ni2+ with ‘+ion’ is more stable than NH3.
Q7.Why are low spin tetrahedral complexes not formed? (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Low spin tetrahedral complexes are rarely observed because orbital splitting energies for
tetrahedral complexes are sufficiently large for forcing pairing.
Q8.For the complex [Fe(en)2Cl2], Cl, (en = ethylene diamine), identify
(i) the oxidation number of iron,
(ii) the hybrid orbitals and the shape of the complex,
(iii) the magnetic behaviour of the complex,
(iv) name of the complex. (At. no. of Fe = 26) (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
(i) [Fe(en)2Cl2] Cl or x + 0 + 2 (-1) + (-1) = 0
x + (- 3) = 0 or x = + 3
∴ Oxidation number of iron, x = + 3
(ii) The complex has two bidentate ligands and two monodentate ligands. Therefore, the
coordination number is 6 and hybridization will be d2sp3 and shape will be octahedral.
(iii) In the complex 26Fe3+ = 3d5 4s0 4p0

(iv) Name of complex: Dichloridobis (ethane-1, 2- diamine) Iron (III) chloride.

Q9.Compare the following complexes with respect to their shape, magnetic behaviour and the
hybrid orbitals involved :
(i) [CoF4]2-
(ii) [Cr(H2O)2(C2O4)2]–
(iii) [Ni(CO)4] (Atomic number : Co = 27, Cr = 24, Ni = 28) (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
(i) [COF4]2_ : Tetrafluorido cobalt (III) ion
Coordination number = 4 Shape = Tetrahedral Hybridisation = sp3

Example : 3d5 of Mn2+

Q10.Compare the following complexes with respect to structural shapes of units, magnetic
behaviour and hybrid orbitals involved in units :
[Co(NH3)6]+3, [Cr(NH3)6]3+, Ni(CO)4
(At. nos. : Co = 27, Cr = 24, Ni = 28) (All India 2009)
Answer:
(i) [Co(NH3)6]+3 → Octahedral shape, d2sp3 hybridisation, diamagnetic
Formation of [Co(NH2)6]+3 → oxidation state of Co is +3.
Q11.Explain the following :
(i) Low spin octahedral complexes of nickel are not known.
(ii) The π-complexes are known for transition elements only.
(iii) CO is a stronger ligand than NTL, for many metals. (All India 2009)
Answer:
(i) The electronic configuration of Ni is [Ar] 3d8 4s2 which shows that it can only form two
types of complexes i.e. square planar (dsp2) in presence of strong ligand and tetrahedral (sp3)
in presence of weak ligand. There are four empty orbitals in Ni while octahedral complexes
require six empty orbitals.
(ii) Due to presence of empty d-orbitals in transition metals, they can accept electron pairs
from ligands containing π electrons and hence can form ic-bonding complexes.
Example : ligands like C5H5, C6H6 etc.
(iii) Due to greater magnitude of Δ0, CO produces strong fields which cause more splitting of
d-orbitals and moreover it is also able to form π bond due to back bonding.
Q12.Compare the following complexes’ with respect to structural shapes of units, magnetic
behaviour and hybrid orbitals involved in units :
(i) [Ni(CN)4]2- (ii) [NiCl4]2- (iii) [CoF6]3-
[At. Nos. : Ni = 28; Co = 27] (All India 2009)
Answer:
(i) [Ni(CN)4]2-
Shape : Octahedral outer orbital complex
Hybridisation : sp3d2
Magnetic behaviour : Paramagnetic (4 unpaired electrons)
Q13.Explain the following cases giving appropriate reasons :
(i) Nickel does not form low spin octahedral complexes.
(ii) The n-complexes are known for the transition metals only. (All India 2010)
Answer:
(i) The electronic configuration of Ni is [Ar] 3d8 4s2 which shows that it can only form two
types of complexes i.e. square planar (dsp2) in presence of strong ligand and tetrahedral (sp3)
in presence of weak ligand. There are four empty orbitals in Ni while octahedral complexes
require six empty orbitals.
(ii) Due to presence of empty d-orbitals in transition metals, they can accept electron pairs
from ligands containing π electrons and hence can form ic-bonding complexes.
Example : ligands like C5H5, C6H6 etc.
(iii) Due to greater magnitude of Δ0, CO produces strong fields which cause more splitting of
d-orbitals and moreover it is also able to form π bond due to back bonding.
Q14.Write the name, the state of hybridization, the shape and the magnetic behaviour of the
following complexes :
[CoCl4]2-, [Ni(CN)4]2-, [Cr(H2O)2(C2O4)2]–
(At No. : Co = 27, Ni = 28, Cr = 240 (All India 2010)
Answer:
(i) [CoCl2]– :
Name – Tetra chlorido Cobalt (II) ion
Shape = Tetrahedral
Hybridization = sp3
Magnetic property = Paramagnetic
(ii) [Ni(CN)4]2-

(iii) [Cr(H2O)2(C2O4)2]– :
Name = Diaquabis (oxalato) chromium (III) ion
Shape = Octahedral
Hybridization = d2sp3
Magnetic property = Paramagnetic

Q15.Explain the following terms giving a suitable example in each case :

(i) Ambident ligand
(ii) Denticity of a ligand
(iii) Crystal field splitting in an octahedral field (All India 2011)
Answer:
(i) Ambidentate ligand : The monodentate ligands with more than one coordinating atoms is
known as ambidentate ligand. Monodentate ligands have only one atom capable of binding to
a central metal atom or ion. For example, the nitrate ion NO2– can bind to the central metal
atom/ion at either the nitrogen atom or one of the oxygen atoms.
Example : — SCN thiocyanate, — NCS isothiocyanate

(ii) Denticity of a ligand: The number of donor atoms in a ligand which forms coordinate
bond with the central metal atom are called denticity of a ligand.
Example : If donor atom is one then it is called Monodentate ligand, if it is two, then it is
called Bidendentate and so on.
(iii) Crystal field splitting: It is the splitting of the degenerate energy levels due to the
presence of ligands. When ligand approaches a transition metal ion, the degenerate d-orbitals
split into two sets, one with lower energy and the other with higher energy. This is known as
crystal field splitting and the difference between the lower energy set and higher energy set is
known as crystal field splitting energy (CFSE)
Example : 3d5 of Mn2+

Q16.Write the state of hybridization, the shape and the magnetic behaviour of the following
complex entities :
(t) [Cr(NH3)4Cl2]Cl
(ii) [Co(en)3]Cl3
(iii) K2[Ni(CN)4] (All India 2011)
Answer:
(i) [Cr(NH3)s4Cl2]Cl :
Hybridization : d2sp3
Shape : Octahedral
Magnetic behaviour: Paramagnetic
(ii) [Co(en)3] Cl3 :
Hybridization : d2sp3
Shape : Octahedral
Magnetic behaviour : Diamagnetic
(iii) K3[Ni(CN)4] :
Hybridization ; dsp2
Shape : Square planar
Magnetic behaviour: Diamagnetic
Q17.Give the formula of each of the following coordination entities :
(i) Co3+ ion is bound to one Cl–, one NH3 molecule and two bidentate ethylene diamine (en)
molecules.
(ii) Ni2+ ion is bound to two water molecules and two oxalate ions.
Write the name and magnetic behaviour of each of the above coordination entities.
(At nos. Co = 27, Ni = 28) (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
(i) [Co (en)2 (NH3)Cl]2+ : amminechloridobis = (ethane-1, 2-diamine) cobalt (ID),
“diamagnetic”
(ii) [Ni(C2O4)2 (H2O)2]-2 : diaquadioxalatonickelate (II), “paramagnetic”
Q18.Write the name, the structure and the magnetic behaviour of each one of the following
complexes :
(i) [Pt(NH3)2Cl(NO2)]
(ii) [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl
(iii) Ni(CO)4 (Atmos. Co = 27, Ni = 28, Pt = 78) (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
(i) [Pt(NH3)2Cl(NO2)]
Name : Diamine chloridonitroplatinum II
Structure :
Magnetic behaviour: paramagnetic
(ii) [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl
Name : Tetraamminedichloridocobalt (III) chloride
Structure : octahedral
Magnetic behaviour : diamagnetic
(iii) Ni(CO)4
Name : Tetracarbonylnickel (O)
Structure : tetrahedral
Magnetic behaviour : diamagnetic.
Q20.(a) Give names of two complexes which are used in medicines.
(b) Using valence bond theory of complexes, explain the geometry and magnetic nature of
[Ni(CN)4]2-. (At. no. of Ni = 28) (Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
(a) (i) Cis – platin[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] is used in the treatment of cancer.
(ii) EDTA is used in the treatment of lead poisoning.

(b) [Ni(CN)4]-2 The electronic configuration of Ni is 3d84s2.

dsp2 hybridisation. The complex has square planar geometry and is diamagnetic in nature due
to absence of unpaired electrons.
Q21.What is meant by crystal field splitting energy? On the basis of crystal field theory, write
the electronic configuration of d4 in terms of t2g and eg in an octahedral field when
(i) Δ0 > P
(ii) Δ0 < P (All India 2013)
Answer:
Crystal field splitting energy : When ligands approach the central metal ion, the degenerate d-
orbitals split into two sets, one with lower energy (t2g) and the other with higher energy (eg).
The difference of energy between these two sets of orbitals is called crystal field splitting
energy. (Δ0 for octahedral complexes).
The magnitude of Δ0 decides the actual configuration of d-orbitals by the help of mean
pairing energy.

 If P > Δ0 then pairing of electrons does not occur and electrons enter in the higher
energy e orbitals and thus form high spin complexes due to weak field ligands.
  If P < Δ0 then pairing of electrons occurs within the same set and form low spin
complexes due to strong field ligands.
 Q22.(a) How is a double salt different from a complex?
(b) Write IUPAC names of the following :
(i) K3[Fe(C2O4)3]
(ii) [Pt(NH3)6]Cl4.
(Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
(a) Double salt dissociates completely into its constituent ions in their aqueous
solution.
Example : KCl.MgCl2.6H2O dissociates into K+, Cl–, Mg2+ and H2O
Complex does not dissociate into its constituent ions.
Example : K4[Fe(CN)6] → 4K+ + Fe(CN)6]4-(b) (i) K3[Fe(C2O4)3] IUPAC name : Potassium
trioxalatoferrate (III)
(ii) [Pt(NH3)6]Cl4 IUPAC name : Hexaammine Platinum (IV) chloride

Q23.(i) Write the IUPAC name of the complex [Cr(NH3)4Cl2]Cl

(ii) Why is [NiCl4]2- paramagnetic but [Ni(CO)4] is diamagnetic?
(At. nos. : Cr = 24, Co = 27, Ni = 28) (All India 2013)
Answer:
(i) IUPAC name : Tetraammine dichlorido chromium (III) chloride
(ii) In [NiCl4]2-, Ni2+ has 3d84s0 configuration and due to weak ligand i.e. Cl–, electrons cannot
pair up hence show paramagnetism while in [Ni(CO)4], Ni is in zero oxidation state with
3d84s2 configuration and the 4s electrons are used up in pairing of 3d electrons as carbonyl
ligand is strong hence diamagnetic.
Q24.Write down the hybridization and magnetic character of the following complexes :
(i) [Ni(CO)4] (ii) [CoF6]-3 (Atomic number : Ni = 28, Co = 27) (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
(i) Hybridisation : sp3
Magnetic character: Diamagnetic.
(ii) Hybridisation : sp3d2
Magnetic character : Paramagnetic.
Q25.Write the hybridization, shape and magnetic character of [Fe(CN)6]4-. (Comptt. All India
2016)
Answer:
Hybridisation : d2sp3
Shape : Octahedral
Magnetic character : Diamagnetic as all the electrons get paired due to strong field ligand
CN. Fe(II)

Q26.(i) Why a solution of [Ni(H2O)6]2+ is green while a solution of [Ni(CN)4]2- is colourless?

(At. no. of Ni = 28)
(ii) Write the IUPAC name of the following complex: [CO(NH3)5(CO3)]Cl. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(i) [Ni(H2O)6]2+ is an outer orbital complex due to weak field ligand H2O and the presence of
unpaired electrons undergoes d—d transition by absorbing red light and shows green colour
while [Ni(CN)4]2- is an inner orbital complex and has no unpaired electrons hence colourless.
(ii) Pentaamminecarbonatocobalt (III) Chloride

Q27.(i) What type of isomerism is shown by the complex [Co(en)3]Cl3?

(ii) Write the hybridisation and magnetic character of [Co(C2O4)3]3-.
(At. no. of Co = 27)
(iii) Write IUPAC name of the following complex: [Cr(NH3)3Cl3] (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(i) [Co(en)3]Cl3 show’s optical isomerism.
(ii) [Co(C2O4)3]3- shows d2sp3 hybridisation and is diamagnetic in nature.
(iii) IUPAC name: Triamminetrichloridochromium(III).

Q28.For the complex ion [CoF6]3- write the hybridization type, magnetic character and spin
nature. [Atomic number: Co = 27] (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
[CoF6]3-
Co3+ = [Ar] 3d6 4s0 4p6 .

It is paramagnetic due to presence of 4 unpaired electrons and form high spin complex.

Question 76.
For the complex ion [Ni(CN)4]2- write the hybridization type, magnetic character and spin
nature. [Atomic No.: Ni = 28] (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
[Ni(CN)4]2-
Ni2+ = [Ar] 3d8 4s0 4p0

∴ Diamagnetic due to paired electrons. Complex is low spin.

Q29.When a coordination compound CrCl3.6H2O is mixed with AgNO3 solution, 3 moles of

AgCl are precipitated per mole of the compound. Write :
(i) Structural formula of the complex
(ii) IUPAC name of the complex
(iii) Magnetic and spin behaviour of the complex (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
Inner orbital complex so it is low spin complex.
Since 3 unpaired electrons are present, it is paramagnetic in nature.

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