Problem 3
Question
Complex A has a composition of \(\mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6} \mathrm{Cl}_{3} \mathrm{Cr}\). If the complex on treatment with conc. \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) loses \(13.5 \%\) of its original mass, the correct molecular formula of \(\mathrm{A}\) is : [Given: atomic mass of \(\mathrm{Cr}=52 \mathrm{amu}\) and \(\mathrm{Cl}=35 \mathrm{amu}]\) (a) \(\left[\mathrm{Cr}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{6}\right] \mathrm{Cl}_{3}\) (b) \(\left[\mathrm{Cr}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{3} \mathrm{Cl}_{3}\right] \cdot 3 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (c) \(\left[\mathrm{Cr}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{5} \mathrm{Cl}\right] \mathrm{Cl}_{2} \cdot \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (d) \(\left[\mathrm{Cr}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{4} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right] \mathrm{Cl} \cdot 2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)
Step-by-Step Solution
VerifiedKey Concepts
Molecular Mass Calculation
To find the molecular mass, multiply the atomic mass of each element by the number of atoms of that element in the formula. Specifically:
- The twelve hydrogen atoms each have an atomic mass of 1 amu, contributing a total of \(12 \times 1 = 12\, \text{amu}\).
- Six oxygen atoms with atomic mass 16 amu add \(6 \times 16 = 96\, \text{amu}\).
- Three chlorine atoms, each 35 amu, contribute \(3 \times 35 = 105\, \text{amu}\).
- One chromium atom at 52 amu contributes \(52\, \text{amu}\).
Water of Crystallization
In the provided example, the complex originally includes water in its formula, explained by its total composition before any treatment. Through absorption or release of water, these compounds can change masses significantly, which is pivotal in problems like the one analyzed here. When the compound is treated with concentrated \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{SO}_4 \), it loses its water of crystallization. This mass loss quantified at about 13.5% corresponds to specific water molecules being removed from the system.
Determining the exact number of water molecules typically involves comparing calculated mass losses with the known mass of water. Each mole of water is 18 amu, so removal affects the compound’s total mass notably. By analyzing changes in mass, you can confirm the precise structure and formula of coordination compounds, acknowledging the water of crystallization as a fundamental concept.
Complex Formation
In coordination compounds like the one given, chromium serves as the central metal. It's surrounded by different ligands that donate lone pairs of electrons, forming coordinate bonds. Understanding how these complexes form helps explain why particular configurations stabilize.
The complex formation also dictates how substances interact or dissociate under certain treatments. For instance, when treated with specific reagents, ligands in the coordination sphere or water molecules outside the primary sphere may be removed, changing the mass and possibly the coordination structure.
This section of the compound denotes these changes, such as in option (d), where water loss from the exterior results in confirming the structure [\(\mathrm{Cr}(\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O})_4\mathrm{Cl}_2\)]\( \mathrm{Cl} \cdot 2\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \). Mastery in evaluating complex formation helps derive accurate formulations of coordination compounds, critical for further chemical synthesis or applications.