In the highly stable neutral metal carbonyls , , and , the central metals strictly achieve the EAN o — Coordination Compounds Chemistry Question
Question
In the highly stable neutral metal carbonyls $[Fe(CO)_x]$, $[Ni(CO)_y]$, and $[Cr(CO)_z]$, the central metals strictly achieve the EAN of the nearest noble gas (Kr = 36). What is the numerical value of the product $(x \times y \times z)$?
💡 Solution & Explanation
For neutral metal carbonyls, the oxidation state of the metal is $0$. $EAN = Z + 2(n)$, where $n$ is the number of CO ligands. For $Fe$ ($Z=26$): $26 + 2x = 36 \Rightarrow 2x = 10 \Rightarrow x = 5$. For $Ni$ ($Z=28$): $28 + 2y = 36 \Rightarrow 2y = 8 \Rightarrow y = 4$. For $Cr$ ($Z=24$): $24 + 2z = 36 \Rightarrow 2z = 12 \Rightarrow z = 6$. The product $(x \times y \times z) = 5 \times 4 \times 6 = 120$.