Transition Metal Reactions (Chapter 24.4 and 24.5) Flashcards
What is a ligand substitution reaction?
One in which one ligand in a complex ion is replaced by another ligand
What happens when CuSO4 is dissolved in water?
A pale blue solution of the complex ion [Cu(H2O)6] is formed in aqueous solution
What happens when an excess of NH3 is added to [Cu(H2O)6]2+?
- A ligand substitution occurs in which 4 NH3 ligands replace 4 H2O ligands
- [Cu(H2O)6]2+ + 4NH3 => [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+ + 4H2O
- The solution changes from pale blue to dark blue
What happens when NH3 is added drop-wise to [Cu(H2O)6]2+ (i.e. not in excess)?
1) a pale blue ppt of Cu(OH)2 is formed as it only reacts with the OH- ions: Cu2+ + 2OH- => Cu(OH)2
2) the Cu(OH)2 ppt dissolves in excess NH3 to form the dark blue solution
What happens when an excess of HCl (a source of Cl- ions) is added [Cu(H2O)6]2+?
- A ligand substitution occurs in which 4 Cl- ligands replace 6 H2O ligands
- [Cu(H2O)6] + 4Cl- <=> [CuCl4]2- + 6H2O
- The solution changes from pale blue to yellow
Why is there a change in coordination number and ∴ shape during the ligand substitution of [Cu(H2O)6]2+ with chloride ions?
Bc chloride ligands are larger in size than H2O ligands ∴ fewer chloride ligand fit around the central Cu2+ ion
What happens if HCl is added slowly to [Cu(H2O)6]2+?
There will be an intermediate green solution formed (the blue and yellow mixing)
What happens if water is added to [CuCl4]2-?
A blue solution will form but more dilute and paler than the original blue solution (the substitution has been reversed)
What happens when chromium (III) potassium sulfate (KCr(SO4)2.12H2O) is dissolved in water?
A pale purple (violet) solution of the complex ion [Cr(H2O)6]3+ is formed in aqueous solution
What colour is [Cu(H2O)6]2+?
Pale blue
What colour is [Cr(H2O)6]3+?
Pale purple (violet)
What colour is [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+?
Dark blue
What colour is Cu(OH)2?
Pale blue ppt
What colour is [CuCl4]2-?
Yellow
What happens when chromium (III) sulfate is dissolved in water?
- A green solution of [Cr(H2O)5SO4]+ is formed (rather than [Cr(H2O)6]3+)
- Cr is still in the +3 oxidation state
What colour is [Cr(H2O)5SO4]+ ?
Green
What happens when excess ammonia is added to [Cr(H2O)6]3+?
- A ligand substitution occurs in which 6 NH3 ligands replace 6 H2O ligands
- [Cr(H2O)6]3+ + 6NH3 => [Cr(NH3)6]3+ + 6H2O
- The solution changes from violet to purple
What happens when ammonia is added drop wise to [Cr(H2O)6]3+ (i.e. not in excess)?
1) a grey-green ppt of Cr(OH)3 is formed
Cr3+ + OH- => Cr(OH)3
2) the Cr(OH)3 ppt dissolves in excess NH3 to form [Cr(H2O)6]3+
What colour is [Cr(NH3)6]3+?
Purple
What colour is Cr(OH)3?
Grey-green ppt
Describe the structure of haemoglobin
- Haemoglobin contains 4 protein chains held together by weak intermolecular forces
- Each protein chain has a haem molecule within its structure
- The central metal ion in a haem group is Fe2+ which can bind to oxygen
What happens to haemoglobin in the body?
1) as blood passes through the lungs, the haemoglobin bonds to oxygen because of the increased oxygen pressure in the capillaries of the lungs
2) oxyhaemoglobin forms, which releases oxygen to body cells
3) haemoglobin in red blood cells can also bond to CO2, which is carried back to the lungs
4) CO2 is then released from RBCs and CO2 is exhaled
Describe what happens with carbon monoxide and Fe2+ in haemoglobin
1) CO can bind to Fe2+ in haemoglobin, forming a complex called carboxyhaemoglobin
2) if CO is breathed in, a ligand substitution reaction takes place where the oxygen in haemoglobin is replaced by CO
3) CO binds to haemoglobin more strongly than oxygen ∴ a small concentration of CO in the lungs can prevent a large proportion of the haemoglobin molecules from carrying oxygen - the process is irreversible bc the bond is so strong
4) if the concentration of carboxyhaemoglobin becomes too high, oxygen transport is prevented, leading to death
What does a precipitation reaction occur?
When two aqueous solutions containing ions react together to form an insoluble ionic solid (ppt)
What reacts with aqueous transition metal ions to form precipitates?
1) aqueous NaOH
2) aqueous NH3
- But some of these ppts will dissolve in excess NaOH or NH3 to form complex ions in solution