The IUPAC nomenclature of the complex K4 4 Fe(CN)6 6 is

Assessment: JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2024 Subject: Chemistry

Question 1 Report

The IUPAC nomenclature of the complex K4 4 Fe(CN)6 6  is
Answer Details

The compound in question is K4[Fe(CN)6]. To name this complex using IUPAC nomenclature, let's break it down into parts:


  • Potasium (K4): This denotes four potassium ions. Potassium is not part of the complex ion; it is a counter ion that balances the charge of the complex ion.
  • Fe(CN)6: This is the complex ion.
  • The ligand CN is the cyanide ion, which is named as cyano.
  • Hexacyano: The prefix 'hexa-' indicates that there are six cyanide ligands attached to the central metal atom.

Next, consider the oxidation state of Fe:


  • The formula of the complex is [Fe(CN)6]4-. Because each cyanide ion has a charge of -1, the total charge contributed by the six cyanide ions is -6.
  • The overall charge is -4 due to the four potassium ions (K+), thus Fe must have a charge of +2 to balance the charge.

Finally, we consider the oxidation state of the iron. Since calculations show that it is +2, the complex ion is named based on its oxidation state.


Hence, the IUPAC name of this compound is potassium hexacyanoferrate(II).

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