Write the coordination number and geometry for [Fe(NH2CH2CH2NH2)2(NO2)2]Cl.

1 answer

To determine the coordination number and geometry for the complex [Fe(NH2CH2CH2NH2)2(NO2)2]Cl, we can analyze the ligands and their coordination with the central metal ion, which in this case is iron (Fe).

  1. Coordination Number:
    • The complex features two bidentate ligands, NH2CH2CH2NH2 (which is ethylenediamine, abbreviated as en) and two nitrite ligands (NO2).
    • Each bidentate ligand (en) chelates the metal through two donor atoms (the nitrogen atoms), contributing a total of \(2 \times 2 = 4\) from the en ligands.
    • Each nitrite ligand can coordinate through either nitrogen or oxygen (the N or the O in the nitrite group offers a coordination site), so the contribution from two nitrite ligands is \(2\).

Thus, we have:

  • Coordination from 2 bidentate en ligands = 4
  • Coordination from 2 nitrite (NO2) ligands = 2
  • Total coordination number = 4 + 2 = 6.
  1. Geometry:
    • A coordination number of 6 typically indicates an octahedral geometry. In octahedral complexes, there are six ligands surrounding the metal center.

Putting it all together, the coordination number of the complex [Fe(NH2CH2CH2NH2)2(NO2)2]Cl is 6, and its geometry is octahedral.