Chapter 23

The molecule dimethylphosphinoethane \(\left[\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{2} \mathrm{PCH}_{2}^{-}\right.\) \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{P}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{2},\) which is abbreviated dmpe \(]\) is used as a ligand for some complexes that serve as catalysts. A complex that contains this ligand is \(\mathrm{Mo}(\mathrm{CO})_{4}(\) dmpe \() .\) (a) Draw the Lewis structure for dmpe, and compare it with ethylenediammine as a coordinating ligand. (b) What is the oxidation state of Mo in \(\mathrm{Na}_{2}\left[\mathrm{Mo}(\mathrm{CN})_{2}(\mathrm{CO})_{2}(\) dmpe \()\right] ?(\mathrm{c})\) Sketch the structure of the \(\left[\mathrm{Mo}(\mathrm{CN})_{2}(\mathrm{CO})_{2}(\mathrm{dmpe})\right]^{2-}\) ion, including all the pos- sible isomers.

Although the cis configuration is known for \(\left[\mathrm{Pt}(\mathrm{en}) \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right], \mathrm{no}\) trans form is known. (a) Explain why the trans compound is not possible. (b) Would \(\mathrm{NH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\) be more likely than en \(\left(\mathrm{NH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\right)\) to form the trans compound? Explain.

Give brief statements about the relevance of the following complexes in living systems: (a) hemoglobin, (b) chlorophylls, (c) siderophores.

Write balanced chemical equations to represent the following observations. (In some instances the complex involved has been discussed previously in the text.) (a) Solid silver chloride dissolves in an excess of aqueous ammonia. (b) The green complex \(\left[\mathrm{Cr}(\mathrm{en})_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right] \mathrm{Cl},\) on treatment with water over a long time, converts to a brown-orange complex. Reaction of \(\mathrm{AgNO}_{3}\) with a solution of the product precipitates \(3 \mathrm{~mol}\) of AgCl per mole of Cr present. (Write two chemical equations.) (c) When an NaOH solution is added to a solution of \(\mathrm{Zn}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{2},\) a precipitate forms. Addition of excess \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) solution causes the precipitate to dissolve. (Write two chemical equations.) (d) A pink solution of \(\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{2}\) turns deep blue on addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid.

Which of the following objects is chiral: (a) a left shoe, (b) a slice of bread, \((c)\) a wood screw, (d) a molecular model of \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{en}) \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) (e) a typical golf club?

Oxyhemoglobin, with an \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) bound to iron, is a low-spin \(\mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{II})\) complex; deoxyhemoglobin, without the \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) molecule, is a high-spin complex. (a) Assuming that the coordination environment about the metal is octahedral, how many unpaired electrons are centered on the metal ion in each case? (b) What ligand is coordinated to the iron in place of \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) in deoxyhemoglobin? (c) Explain in a general way why the two forms of hemoglobin have different colors (hemoglobin is red, whereas deoxyhemoglobin has a bluish cast). (d) A 15 -minute exposure to air containing 400 ppm of CO causes about \(10 \%\) of the hemoglobin in the blood to be converted into the carbon monoxide complex, called carboxyhemoglobin. What does this suggest about the relative equilibrium constants for binding of carbon monoxide and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) to hemoglobin? (e) \(\mathrm{CO}\) is a strong-field ligand. What color might you expect carboxyhemoglobin to be?

Consider the tetrahedral anions \(\mathrm{VO}_{4}^{3-}\) (orthovanadate ion), \(\mathrm{CrO}_{4}^{2-}(\) chromate ion \(),\) and \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}\) (permanganate ion). (a) These anions are isoelectronic. What does this statement mean? (b) Would you expect these anions to exhibit \(d-d\) transitions? Explain. (c) As mentioned in "A Closer Look" on charge-transfer color, the violet color of \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}\) is due to a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) transition. What is meant by this term? (d) The LMCT transition in \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}\) occurs at a wavelength of \(565 \mathrm{nm}\). The \(\mathrm{CrO}_{4}^{2-}\) ion is yellow. Is the wavelength of the LMCT transition for chromate larger or smaller than that for \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}\) ? Explain. (e) The \(\mathrm{VO}_{4}{\underline{\phantom{xx}}}^{3-}\) ion is colorless. Do you expect the light absorbed by the LMCT to fall in the UV or the IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum? Explain your reasoning.

The red color of ruby is due to the presence of Cr(III) ions at octahedral sites in the close-packed oxide lattice of \(\mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3} .\) Draw the crystal-field splitting diagram for Cr(III) in this environment. Suppose that the ruby crystal is subjected to high pressure. What do you predict for the variation in the wavelength of absorption of the ruby as a function of pressure? Explain.

When Alfred Werner was developing the field of coordination chemistry, it was argued by some that the optical activity he observed in the chiral complexes he had prepared was because of the presence of carbon atoms in the molecule. To disprove this argument, Werner synthesized a chiral complex of cobalt that had no carbon atoms in it, and he was able to resolve it into its enantiomers. Design a cobalt(III) complex that would be chiral if it could be synthesized and that contains no carbon atoms. (It may not be possible to synthesize the complex you design, but we won't worry about that for now.)

Generally speaking, for a given metal and ligand, the stability of a coordination compound is greater for the metal in the +3 rather than in the +2 oxidation state (for metals that form stable +3 ions in the first place). Suggest an explanation, keeping in mind the Lewis acid-base nature of the metal-ligand bond.

CC(=O)[O-] can act a… # Many trace metal ions exist in the blood complexed with amino acids or small peptides. The anion of the amino acid glycine (gly), N#CC(=O)[O-] can act as a bidentate ligand, coordinating to the metal through nitrogen and oxygen atoms. How many isomers are possible for (a) \(\left[\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{gly})_{2}\right]\) (tetrahedral), (b) \(\left[\mathrm{Pt}(\mathrm{gly})_{2}\right]\) (square planar), (c) \(\left[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{gly})_{3}\right]\) (octahedral)? Sketch all possible isomers. Use the symbol \(\mathrm{N}\) O to represent the ligand.

Suppose that a transition-metal ion was in a lattice in which it was in contact with just two nearby anions, located on opposite sides of the metal. Diagram the splitting of the metal \(\bar{d}\) orbitals that would result from such a crystal field. Assuming a strong field, how many unpaired electrons would you expect for a metal ion with six \(d\) electrons? (Hint: Consider the linear axis to be the \(z\) -axis)

Metallic elements are essential components of many important enzymes operating within our bodies. Carbonic anhydrase, which contains \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) in its active site, is responsible for rapidly interconverting dissolved \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and bicarbonate ion, \(\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}\). The zinc in carbonic anhydrase is tetrahedrally coordinated by three neutral nitrogen- containing groups and a water molecule. The coordinated water molecule has a \(\mathrm{p} K_{a}\) of \(7.5,\) which is crucial for the enzyme's activity. (a) Draw the active site geometry for the \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{II})\) center in carbonic anhydrase, just writing \({ }^{4} \mathrm{~N}^{n}\) for the three neutral nitrogen ligands from the protein. (b) Compare the \(\mathrm{p} K_{a}\) of carbonic anhydrase's active site with that of pure water; which species is more acidic? (c) When the coordinated water to the \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{II})\) center in carbonic anhydrase is deprotonated, what ligands are bound to the \(\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{II})\) center? Assume the three nitrogen ligands are unaffected. (d) The \(\mathrm{p} K_{a}\) of \(\left[\mathrm{Zn}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{6}\right]^{2+}\) is \(10 .\) Suggest an explanation for the difference between this \(\mathrm{p} K_{a}\) and that of carbonic anhydrase. (e) Would you expect carbonic anhydrase to have a deep color, like hemoglobin and other metal-ion containing proteins do? Explain.

A manganese complex formed from a solution containing potassium bromide and oxalate ion is purified and analyzed. It contains \(10.0 \% \mathrm{Mn}, 28.6 \%\) potassium, \(8.8 \%\) carbon, and \(29.2 \%\) bromine by mass. The remainder of the compound is oxygen. An aqueous solution of the complex has about the same electrical conductivity as an equimolar solution of \(\mathrm{K}_{4}\left[\mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{CN})_{6}\right] .\) Write the formula of the compound, using brackets to denote the manganese and its coordination sphere.

The \(E^{\circ}\) values for two low-spin iron complexes in acidic solution are as follows: $$ \begin{aligned} \left[\mathrm{Fe}(o \text { -phen })_{3}\right]^{3+}(a q)+\mathrm{e}^{-} \rightleftharpoons\left[\mathrm{Fe}(o \text { -phen })_{3}\right]^{2+}(a q) & E^{\circ}=1.12 \mathrm{~V} \\\ \left[\mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{CN})_{6}\right]^{3-}(a q)+\mathrm{e}^{-} \rightleftharpoons\left[\mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{CN})_{6}\right]^{4-}(a q) & E^{\circ}=0.36 \mathrm{~V} \end{aligned} $$ (a) Is it thermodynamically favorable to reduce both Fe(III) complexes to their Fe(II) analogs? Explain. (b) Which complex, \(\left[\mathrm{Fe}(o \text { -phen })_{3}\right]^{3+}\) or \(\left[\mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{CN})_{6}\right]^{3-},\) is more difficult to reduce? (c) Suggest an explanation for your answer to (b).

The total concentration of \(\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}\) and \(\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\) in a sample of hard water was determined by titrating a \(0.100-\mathrm{L}\) sample of the water with a solution of EDTA \(^{4-}\). The EDTA \(^{4-}\) chelates the two cations: $$ \begin{aligned} \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}+[\mathrm{EDTA}]^{4-} \longrightarrow &[\mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{EDTA})]^{2-} \\ \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}+[\mathrm{EDTA}]^{4-} \longrightarrow &[\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{EDTA})]^{2-} \end{aligned} $$ It requires \(31.5 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.0104 \mathrm{M}[\mathrm{EDTA}]^{4-}\) solution to reach the end point in the titration. A second \(0.100-\mathrm{L}\) sample was then treated with sulfate ion to precipitate \(\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}\) as calcium sulfate. The \(\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\) was then titrated with \(18.7 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.0104 \mathrm{M}\) \([\mathrm{EDTA}]^{4-},\) Calculate the concentrations of \(\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\) and \(\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}\) in the hard water in \(\mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{L}\).

Carbon monoxide is toxic because it binds more strongly to the iron in hemoglobin (Hb) than does \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\), as indicated by these approximate standard free-energy changes in blood: $$ \begin{array}{ll} \mathrm{Hb}+\mathrm{O}_{2} \longrightarrow \mathrm{HbO}_{2} & \Delta G^{\circ}=-70 \mathrm{~kJ} \\\ \mathrm{Hb}+\mathrm{CO} \longrightarrow \mathrm{HbCO} & \Delta G^{\circ}=-80 \mathrm{~kJ} \end{array} $$ Using these data, estimate the equilibrium constant at \(298 \mathrm{~K}\) for the equilibrium $$ \mathrm{HbO}_{2}+\mathrm{CO} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{HbCO}+\mathrm{O}_{2} $$

The molecule methylamine \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\right)\) can act as a monodentate ligand. The following are equilibrium reactions and the thermochemical data at \(298 \mathrm{~K}\) for reactions of methylamine and en with \(\mathrm{Cd}^{2+}(a q):\) $$ \begin{array}{c} \mathrm{Cd}^{2+}(a q)+4 \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{2}(a q) \rightleftharpoons\left[\mathrm{Cd}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\right)_{4}\right]^{2+}(a q) \\ \Delta H^{\circ}=-57.3 \mathrm{~kJ} ; \quad \Delta S^{\circ}=-67.3 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{K} ; \quad \Delta G^{\circ}=-37.2 \mathrm{~kJ} \\\ \mathrm{Cd}^{2+}(a q)+2 \mathrm{en}(a q) \rightleftharpoons\left[\mathrm{Cd}(\mathrm{en})_{2}\right]^{2+}(a q) \\ \Delta H^{\circ}=-56.5 \mathrm{~kJ} ; \quad \Delta S^{\circ}=+14.1 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{K} ; \quad \Delta G^{\circ}=-60.7 \mathrm{~kJ} \end{array} $$ (a) Calculate \(\Delta G^{\circ}\) and the equilibrium constant \(K\) for the following ligand exchange reaction: \(\left[\mathrm{Cd}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\right)_{4}\right]^{2+}(a q)+2 \operatorname{en}(a q) \rightleftharpoons\) $$ \left[\mathrm{Cd}(\mathrm{en})_{2}\right]^{2+}(a q)+4 \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{2}(a q) $$ Based on the value of \(K\) in part (a), what would you conclude about this reaction? What concept is demonstrated? (b) Determine the magnitudes of the enthalpic \(\left(\Delta H^{\circ}\right)\) and the entropic \(\left(-T \Delta S^{\circ}\right)\) contributions to \(\Delta G^{\circ}\) for the ligand exchange reaction. Explain the relative magnitudes. (c) Based on information in this exercise and in the "A Closer Look" box on the chelate effect, predict the sign of \(\Delta H^{\circ}\) for the following hypothetical reaction: $$ \begin{aligned} \left[\mathrm{Cd}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\right)_{4}\right]^{2+}(a q) &+4 \mathrm{NH}_{3}(a q) \rightleftharpoons \\ \left[\mathrm{Cd}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{4}\right]^{2+}(a q)+4 \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{2}(a q) \end{aligned} $$

The value of \(\Delta\) for the \(\left[\mathrm{CrF}_{6}\right]^{3-}\) complex is \(182 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\). Calculate the expected wavelength of the absorption corresponding to promotion of an electron from the lowerenergy to the higher-energy \(d\) -orbital set in this complex. Should the complex absorb in the visible range?

A Cu electrode is immersed in a solution that is \(1.00 \mathrm{M}\) in \(\left[\mathrm{Cu}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{4}\right]^{2+}\) and \(1.00 \mathrm{M}\) in \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\). When the cathode is a standard hydrogen electrode, the emf of the cell is found to be \(+0.08 \mathrm{~V}\). What is the formation constant for \(\left[\mathrm{Cu}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{4}\right]^{2+} ?\)