Question 1 Report
The type of bond between copper(II) tetraamine and chlorine in [Cu(NH\(_3\))\(_4\)]Cl\(_2\)
The compound [Cu(NH3)4]Cl2 consists of two distinct parts:
The question asks about the bond between the complex cation and the chloride ions. The complex cation carries a 2+ charge, and each chloride ion carries a 1- charge. The attraction between these oppositely charged ions is an ionic bond (electrostatic attraction).
It is important to distinguish this from the bonding within the complex ion. Inside [Cu(NH3)4]2+, each NH3 molecule donates a lone pair of electrons from nitrogen to the Cu2+ ion, forming dative (coordinate) bonds. However, the question specifically asks about the bond between the complex and chlorine, which is ionic.
Everything you need to excel in your exams