2.

3 Transition Metals - Shapes of Complex ions – Questions

Q1.
(a)     Explain how the electron pair repulsion theory can be used to deduce the shape of,
and the bond angle in, PF3

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(6)

(b)     State the full electron configuration of a cobalt(II) ion.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c)     Suggest one reason why electron pair repulsion theory cannot be used to predict
the shape of the [CoCl4]2− ion.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(d)     Predict the shape of, and the bond angle in, the complex rhodium ion [RhCl4]2−.

Shape _____________________________________________________________

Bond angle _________________________________________________________

(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Q2.
This question is about some reactions of cobalt compounds.
  

(a)     Give the formula of the complex responsible for the pink colour in aqueous CoCl2
and name its shape.

Formula ____________________________________________________________

Name of shape ______________________________________________________

(2)

(b)     Give the formula of the cobalt-containing compound V and describe its appearance.

Formula ___________________________________________________________

Appearance ________________________________________________________
(2)

(c)     Write an equation for the reaction that occurs when the pink solution is converted
into W.

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d)     Give the formula of the cobalt-containing complex in X and state the role of the H2O2
in this reaction.

Formula ____________________________________________________________

Role of H2O2 ________________________________________________________

(2)

(e)     Give the formula of the cobalt-containing complex in Y and explain why this complex
is more stable than the cobalt-containing complex in W.

Formula ____________________________________________________________

Explanation _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
 (3)

(f)      Identify the cobalt-containing complex in solution Z and explain why its co-ordination
number is different from that in the pink solution of CoCl2

Complex ___________________________________________________________

Explanation _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 13 marks)

Q3.
(a)     Give one example of a bidentate ligand.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     Give one example of a linear complex ion formed by a transition metal.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c)     Write an equation for a substitution reaction in which the complete replacement of
ligands in a complex ion occurs with a change in both the co-ordination number and
the overall charge of the complex ion.

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d)     Write an equation for a substitution reaction in which the complete replacement of
ligands in a complex ion occurs without a change in either the co-ordination number
or the overall charge of the complex ion.

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(e)     When a solution containing [Co(H2O)6]2+ ions is treated with a solution containing
EDTA4– ions, a more stable complex is formed.  Write an equation for this reaction
and explain why the complex is more stable.

Equation __________________________________________________________

Explanation ________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Q4.
(a)     State what is meant by the term co-ordinate bond.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
 (b)     Define the terms Brønsted–Lowry acid and Lewis acid.

Brønsted–Lowry acid _________________________________________________

Lewis acid __________________________________________________________

(2)

(c)     State what is meant by the term bidentate ligand.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d)     State how the co-ordination number of cobalt(II) ions in aqueous solution changes
when an excess of chloride ions is added. Give a reason for the change.

Change in co-ordination number _________________________________________

Reason for change ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(e)     Suggest why the enthalpy change for the following reaction is close to zero.

[Co(NH3)6]2+  +  3NH2CH2CH2NH2  →  Co(NH2CH2CH2NH2)3]2+  +  6NH3

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(f)      Deduce the formula of the compound formed when ethane-1,2-diamine is treated
with an excess of hydrochloric acid.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 11 marks)

Q5.
(a)     The ion  can act as a bidentate ligand.

(i)      Explain the meaning of the term bidentate ligand.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii)     Sketch the structure of the octahedral complex ion formed by Fe3+ ions which
contains  as the only ligand. Include the overall charge on the complex
ion.

 
  

 
(5)

(b)     Explain the meaning of the term chelate effect.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c)     The chloride ion can act as a monodentate ligand.

(i)      Deduce the formula of the linear complex formed when an excess of
concentrated hydrochloric acid is added to silver chloride.

______________________________________________________________

(ii)     Explain why metal(II) ions do not usually form octahedral complexes when
chloride ions are the only ligands.

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(d)     The concentration of  ions can be determined by titration in acidic solution

using a standard solution of potassium manganate(VII). At room temperature, the
reaction proceeds very slowly at first but becomes faster after some of the
manganate(VII) ions have reacted.

(i)      Suggest why this reaction is very slow at first.

______________________________________________________________

(ii)     This is an example of an autocatalytic reaction. State the meaning of the term
autocatalytic and identify the catalyst.

Meaning of the term autocatalytic ___________________________________

Catalyst _______________________________________________________

(iii)     Suggest how this catalyst might be involved in the reaction.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(5)
(Total 14 marks)

Q6.
Transition metals form complex ions. Using actual examples of complex ions formed by
transition metal ions, give the formula of
 •   a linear complex ion,
•   a tetrahedral complex ion and
•   an octahedral complex ion formed by using a bidentate ligand.
(Total 4 marks)

Q7.
Transition elements form complex ions with a range of colours and shapes.

(a)     By considering its electron arrangement, state how an element can be classified as
a transition element.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     Explain the meaning of the term complex ion.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c)     In terms of electrons, explain why an aqueous solution of cobalt(II) sulfate has a red
colour.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(d)     The ligand EDTA4– is shown below.

(i)      Draw circles around the atoms of two different elements that link to a
transition metal ion by a co-ordinate bond when EDTA4– behaves as a ligand.
(2)

(ii)     Write an equation for the reaction between EDTA4– and a [Co(H2O)6]2+ ion. Use
the abbreviation EDTA4– in your equation.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii)     Explain why the complex ion, formed as a product of the reaction in part (d)
 (ii), is more stable than the [Co(H2O)6]2+ ion.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(e)     The diagram below shows part of the structure of haemoglobin.

Haemoglobin contains an iron(II) ion bonded to five nitrogen atoms and one other
ligand. The fifth nitrogen atom and the additional ligand are not shown in this
diagram.

(i)      In this diagram, bonds between nitrogen and iron are shown as N→Fe and as
N―Fe.

State the meaning of each of these symbols.

Meaning of → __________________________________________________

Meaning of ― __________________________________________________
(2)

(ii)     State the function of haemoglobin in the blood.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii)     With reference to haemoglobin, explain why carbon monoxide is toxic.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 16 marks)

Q8.
(a)     Some metal ions are toxic to humans. A substance that can be used to treat such
 poisoning contains the ion EDTA4–.
EDTA4– forms very stable complexes with metal ions. These complexes are not
toxic.

(i)      Write an equation for the reaction of EDTA4– with aqueous copper(II) ions,
[Cu(H2O)6]2+.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii)     A solution containing EDTA4– can also be used in a titration to determine the
concentration of metal ions in solution.
A river was polluted with copper(II) ions. When a 25.0 cm3 sample of the river
water was titrated with a 0.0150 mol dm–3 solution of EDTA4–, 6.45 cm3 were
required for complete reaction.
Calculate the concentration, in mol dm–3, of copper(II) ions in the river water.
Show your working.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(b)     The determination of the concentration of copper(II) ions in a single sample of river
water gives an unreliable value for the copper(II) ion pollution in the river.
Give one reason why this value is unreliable.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c)     Silver complexes can be used to identify a particular organic functional group.
Give one example of a silver complex that can be used in this way and state the
organic functional group it identifies.

Silver complex _______________________________________________________

Organic functional group _______________________________________________

(2)
(Total 6 marks)

Q9.
This question is about cobalt chemistry.

(a)     Give the electron configuration of the Co atom and of the Co2+ ion.

State three characteristic features of the chemistry of cobalt and its compounds.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(5)

(b)     Ethane-1,2-diamine can act as a bidentate ligand. When [Co(H2O)6]2+(aq) ions are
treated with an excess of ethane-1,2-diamine, the water ligands are replaced.

Explain what is meant by the term bidentate ligand.

Explain, with the aid of an equation, the thermodynamic reasons why this reaction
occurs.

Draw a diagram to show the structure of the complex ion formed.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(7)
(Total 12 marks)

Q10.
Transition metals and their complexes have characteristic properties.

(a)     Give the electron configuration of the Zn2+ ion.

Use your answer to explain why the Zn2+ ion is not classified as a transition metal
ion.

Electron configuration _________________________________________________

Explanation _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b)     In terms of bonding, explain the meaning of the term complex.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c)     Identify one species from the following list that does not act as a ligand. Explain
your answer.

H2          O2–          O2          CO

Not a ligand ________________________________________________________

Explanation ________________________________________________________
(2)

(d)     The element palladium is in the d block of the Periodic Table. Consider the following
palladium compound which contains the sulfate ion.

[Pd(NH3)4]SO4

(i)      Give the oxidation state of palladium in this compound.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii)     Give the names of two possible shapes for the complex palladium ion in this
compound.

Shape 1 _______________________________________________________

Shape 2 _______________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q11.
Due to their electron arrangements, transition metals have characteristic properties
including catalytic action and the formation of complexes with different shapes.

(a)     Give two other characteristic properties of transition metals. For each
property,illustrate your answer with a transition metal of your choice.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)

(b)     Other than octahedral, there are several different shapes shown by transition metal
complexes. Name three of these shapes and for each one give the formula of a
 complex with that shape.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(6)

(c)     It is possible for Group 2 metal ions to form complexes. For example, the
[Ca(H2O)6]2+ ion in hard water reacts with EDTA4– ions to form a complex ion in a
similar manner to hydrated transition metal ions. This reaction can be used in a
titration to measure the concentration of calcium ions in hard water.

(i)      Write an equation for the equilibrium that is established when hydrated
calcium ions react with EDTA4– ions.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii)     Explain why the equilibrium in part (c)(i) is displaced almost completely to the
right to form the EDTA complex.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(3)

(iii)    In a titration, 6.25 cm3 of a 0.0532 mol dm–3 solution of EDTA reacted
completely with the calcium ions in a 150 cm3 sample of a saturated solution of
calcium hydroxide.
Calculate the mass of calcium hydroxide that was dissolved in 1.00 dm3 of the
calcium hydroxide solution.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
 ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(Extra space) ___________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 17 marks)

Q12.
The pigment ’Cobalt Yellow’ contains an octahedral complex of cobalt(III) and nitrate(III)
ions (NO2–). Analysis shows that Cobalt Yellow contains 13.0% of cobalt, 18.6% of
nitrogen and 25.9% of potassium by mass. The remainder is oxygen.

(a)     Use these data to calculate the empirical formula of Cobalt Yellow. Show your
working.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(b)     Deduce the structural formula of the cobalt-containing ion in Cobalt Yellow.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 4 marks)

Q13.
(a)     Explain the meaning of the terms ligand and bidentate as applied to transition metal
complexes.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b)     Aqueous cobalt(II) ions react separately with an excess of chloride ions and with an
excess of ammonia.

For each reaction, draw a diagram to illustrate the structure of, the shape of and the
charge on the complex ion formed.

In each case, name the shape and indicate, on the diagram, a value for the ligand-
metal-ligand bond angle.

 
(6)

(c)     The complex ion formed in aqueous solution between cobalt(II) ions and chloride
ions is a different colour from the [Co(H2O)6]2+ ion.

Explain why these complex ions have different colours.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(d)     In aqueous ammonia, cobalt(II) ions are oxidised to cobalt(III) ions by hydrogen
peroxide. The H2O2 is reduced to hydroxide ions.

Calculate the minimum volume of 5.00 mol dm−3 H2O2 solution required to oxidise
the Co2+ ions in 9.87 g of CoSO4.7H2O

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(5)
(Total 16 marks)

Q14.
In the table below, which one of the following complex ions has a correct shape, co-
ordination number and oxidation state?
 
Co-ordination Oxidation state of
  Complex Shape
number central cation

A [Ag(CN)2]− Linear 2 –1

B [CuCl4]2− Tetrahedral 4 –2

C [Cr(C2O4)3]3− Octahedral 3 +3

D [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+ Octahedral 6 +2
(Total 1 mark)