Question on: JAMB Chemistry - 2024

The chemical formula for potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) is

A
[Fe(CN)_6]^{4-}
B
K₃Fe(CN)₆
C
Fe(CN)₆
D
K₄Fe(CN)₆
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Correct Option: D

Potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) is a coordination compound. Here's how to determine the correct formula:

  1. Hexacyanoferrate(II): This indicates a complex ion containing iron (Fe) and cyanide ligands (CN). The Roman numeral (II) signifies that iron has a +2 oxidation state. The hexacyano part means there are six cyanide ligands.
  2. Complex Ion: The complex ion is \[Fe(CN)_6\]^{4-}. Each CN ligand carries a -1 charge, and there are six of them, resulting in a total negative charge of -6. Since the iron has a +2 charge, the overall charge of the complex ion becomes +2 + (-6) = -4.
  3. Potassium: Potassium (K) is the counter-ion and has a +1 charge.
  4. Formula: To balance the -4 charge of the complex ion, we need four potassium ions (4 × +1 = +4). Therefore, the correct formula is K_4[Fe(CN)_6].

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