A complex has a composition corresponding to the formula CoBr2Cl.4NH3. What is the structural formul β Coordination Compounds Chemistry Question
Question
A complex has a composition corresponding to the formula CoBr2Cl.4NH3. What is the structural formula if conductance measurements show two ions per formula unit? Silver nitrate solution given an immediate precipitate of AgCl but no AgBr.
π‘ Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Conductance measurements indicate two ions per formula unit (a 1:1 electrolyte), which means there is one complex ion and one simple counterion outside the coordination sphere. Step 2: Since the addition of silver nitrate produces a precipitate of AgCl but no AgBr, only the chloride ion is present outside the sphere as a counterion. Step 3: This puts both bromide ions inside the coordination sphere, yielding the structural formula [CoBr2(NH3)4]Cl, which corresponds to option (d).