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

Chemistry of transition elements — practice question

(a)[1]

Draw the outline of a $d$ orbital.

(b(i))[1]

Explain the meaning of the term transition element.

(b(ii))[1]

Transition elements are able to form complex ions containing ligands. Name the bonding type present between a ligand and a transition element.

(c)[1]

Write down the formulae of two iron oxides. State the oxidation number of iron in each one.

(d)[2]

$\text{CO}$ and $\text{CN}^-$ are both monodentate ligands. Complete the table for the two complexes below.

(e(i))[1]

Transition element complexes may show stereoisomerism. $[\text{Cu(H}_2\text{O})_4(\text{NH}_3)_2]^{2+}$ and $\text{Pt(NH}_3)_2\text{Cl}_2$ exhibit the same kind of isomerism. Name this type of isomerism.

(e(ii))[2]

Complete the 3D diagrams of the two isomers for $[\text{Cu(H}_2\text{O})_4(\text{NH}_3)_2]^{2+}$ and $\text{Pt(NH}_3)_2\text{Cl}_2$.

(f(i))[2]

Copper is able to form complexes with ammonia and $en$, $\text{H}_2\text{NCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2$, as illustrated.\n\n$[\text{Cu(H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+}(aq) + en(aq) \rightleftharpoons [\text{Cu(H}_2\text{O})_4(en)]^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$, $K_{\text{stab}} = 3.98 \times 10^{10}$ (equilibrium 4)\n\n$[\text{Cu(H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{NH}_3(aq) \rightleftharpoons [\text{Cu(H}_2\text{O})_4(\text{NH}_3)_2]^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$, $K_{\text{stab}} = 5.01 \times 10^{7}$ (equilibrium 5)\n\nWrite an expression for the stability constant, $K_{\text{stab}}$, for equilibrium 5. Give its units.

(f(ii))[1]

The standard entropy change, $\Delta S^{\circ}$, for equilibrium 4 is $+23\,\text{J K}^{-1}\text{mol}^{-1}$ and for equilibrium 5 is $-8.4\,\text{J K}^{-1}\text{mol}^{-1}$. Give an explanation for this difference with reference to both equilibria.

(f(iii))[1]

Of the three copper complexes in equilibria 4 and 5, state which copper complex is the most stable and explain your answer.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 13-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: A correctly drawn $d$-orbital diagram

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