When detecting the presence of explosive peroxides in an aged ether sample, a chemical test is perfo — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
When detecting the presence of explosive peroxides in an aged ether sample, a chemical test is performed using ferrous ammonium sulfate and potassium thiocyanate. In the intensely colored blood-red coordination complex that visually confirms a positive test, what is the exact formal positive oxidation state of the central transition metal ion?
Answer: 3
💡 Solution & Explanation
The peroxides present in the ether act as oxidizing agents, oxidizing the added $Fe^{2+}$ (ferrous) ions to $Fe^{3+}$ (ferric) ions. The newly formed $Fe^{3+}$ ions immediately react with the added thiocyanate ions ($SCN^-$) to form a blood-red complex, $[Fe(SCN)_n]^{(3-n)+}$. The central iron atom is strictly in the $+3$ oxidation state.
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes