Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Chemistry of transition elements

Chemistry of transition elements — practice question

Iron is a transition element in the fourth period. It forms compounds that contain the ions $\text{Fe}^{2+}$ and $\text{Fe}^{3+}$.
(a(i))[1]

Define what is meant by a transition element.

(a(ii))[1]

Compare the melting point and density of iron with those of calcium, an s-block element in the fourth period.

(a(iii))[1]

Complete the electronic configuration of an isolated gaseous $\text{Fe}^{2+}$ ion: $1s^2$ ..........

(a(iv))[4]

Aqueous $\text{Fe}^{3+}$ ions form coloured complexes. Explain the origin of the colour in transition element complexes.

(b(i))[1]

State the shape of the $[\text{Fe(H}_2\text{O)}_6]^{2+}(aq)$ complex ion.

(b(ii))[1]

Write the equation for the reaction between $[\text{Fe(H}_2\text{O)}_6]^{2+}(aq)$ ions and an excess of $\text{CN}^-(aq)$ ions.

(b(iii))[1]

Deduce the oxidation states of iron in $[\text{Fe(CN)}_6]^{4-}$ and $[\text{Fe(CN)}_5\text{NO}]^{2-}$.

(b(iv))[2]

Define what is meant by a monodentate ligand.

(b(v))[1]

Complete the diagram so that it shows the three-dimensional structure of the $[\text{Fe(CN)}_5\text{NO}]^{2-}$ complex ion.

(b(vi))[2]

The two complex ions $[\text{Fe(CN)}_6]^{4-}$ and $[\text{Fe(CN)}_5\text{NO}]^{2-}$ are different colours. Explain why the colours of the two complex ions are different.

(c(i))[1]

Define the term coordination number.

(c(ii))[2]

$E$ shows both optical isomerism and cis-trans isomerism. One isomer of $E$ is shown. The $\text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-}$ ion is represented as ox. In the boxes, draw three-dimensional diagrams to show the trans isomer of $E$ and the optical isomer of $E$.

(c(iii))[2]

$[\text{Fe}(\text{C}_2\text{O}_4)_2\text{Cl}_2]^{4-}$ contains ligands which are anions of ethanedioic acid, $\text{HO}_2\text{CCO}_2\text{H}$. Complete the table to show any observations for the reactions of $\text{HO}_2\text{CCO}_2\text{H}$ with the named reagents. Where no change is seen, write 'none'.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 20-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Forms one or more stable ions with a partially filled $3d$ subshell

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