Calculation of Van't Hoff factor for K₃[Fe(CN)₆]
Understanding the compound:
- K₃[Fe(CN)₆] consists of potassium ions (K⁺) and the complex ion [Fe(CN)₆]^3-.
- The complex ion has a total charge of -3 due to the iron (III) and 6 cyanide ligands.
Dissociation of the compound:
- When K₃[Fe(CN)₆] dissolves in water, it dissociates into 3 K⁺ ions and 1 [Fe(CN)₆]^3- complex ion.
- Since the complex ion has a charge of -3, it will attract 3 water molecules to balance the charge, resulting in a total of 4 particles in solution.
Calculating the Van't Hoff factor:
- The Van't Hoff factor (i) is defined as the ratio of moles of particles in solution to moles of solute dissolved.
- For K₃[Fe(CN)₆], the dissociation produces 4 particles in solution while there is only 1 mole of the solute.
- Therefore, the Van't Hoff factor for K₃[Fe(CN)₆] is 4.
Conclusion:
- The Van't Hoff factor for K₃[Fe(CN)₆] is 4, indicating that the compound dissociates into 4 particles in solution. This knowledge is crucial in understanding the colligative properties of the compound in solution.