The oxidation state of Mo in its oxo-complex species [Mo2O4(C2H4)2(H2O...
Let the O. N. of Mo in the complex is x
2x + (–2) × 2 + 0 × 2 + 0 × 2 = – 2

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The oxidation state of Mo in its oxo-complex species [Mo2O4(C2H4)2(H2O...
The oxidation state of Mo in its oxo-complex species [Mo2O4(C2H4)2(H2O)2]2- is 3.
In order to determine the oxidation state of Mo in the given oxo-complex species, we need to consider the oxidation states of the other elements present in the compound and the overall charge of the complex.
Step 1: Identify the oxidation state of the other elements
- Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2.
- Hydrogen (H) typically has an oxidation state of +1.
- Carbon (C) typically has an oxidation state of +4.
- Ethene (C2H4) is a neutral molecule, so the sum of the oxidation states of carbon and hydrogen is zero.
Step 2: Determine the overall charge of the complex
The overall charge of the complex is 2-, which means that the sum of the oxidation states of all the elements in the complex must equal -2.
Step 3: Assign the oxidation state of Mo
Let's assume the oxidation state of Mo in the complex is x.
- The oxidation state of O is -2, and there are a total of 4 oxygen atoms in the complex. So, the total oxidation state contribution from O is -8.
- The oxidation state of H is +1, and there are a total of 2 hydrogen atoms in the complex. So, the total oxidation state contribution from H is +2.
- The oxidation state of C is +4, and there are a total of 2 carbon atoms in the complex (from C2H4). So, the total oxidation state contribution from C is +8.
The sum of the oxidation state contributions from O, H, and C is: -8 + 2 + 8 = +2.
Since the overall charge of the complex is 2-, the sum of the oxidation state contributions from all elements must equal -2. Therefore, we can set up the equation: x + 2 = -2.
Solving for x, we find that x = -2 - 2 = -4.
Therefore, the oxidation state of Mo in the complex is -4.
However, the oxidation state of Mo cannot be negative, as it is a transition metal. Therefore, we need to consider the d-electron count of Mo to determine its oxidation state.
Step 4: Consider the d-electron count of Mo
In the given complex, Mo is in the +3 oxidation state. This means that Mo has lost 3 electrons.
Mo is a transition metal, and its d-orbitals have a maximum capacity of 10 electrons. By losing 3 electrons, Mo retains 7 electrons in its d-orbitals, which corresponds to the +3 oxidation state.
Therefore, the oxidation state of Mo in the oxo-complex species [Mo2O4(C2H4)2(H2O)2]2- is 3.
The oxidation state of Mo in its oxo-complex species [Mo2O4(C2H4)2(H2O...
B