In Na2[Pt(CN)4], what is the charge on the complex ion [Pt(CN)4]?

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Multiple Choice

In Na2[Pt(CN)4], what is the charge on the complex ion [Pt(CN)4]?

The salt must be neutral overall, and two sodium ions contribute +2 in total. Therefore, the complex ion [Pt(CN)4] carries a -2 charge. Each cyanide ligand is -1 and there are four of them, giving -4 from ligands. The complex’ total charge is Pt oxidation state plus (-4) = -2, so Pt must be in the +2 oxidation state. Hence the charge on the complex ion is -2.

The salt must be neutral overall, and two sodium ions contribute +2 in total. Therefore, the complex ion [Pt(CN)4] carries a -2 charge. Each cyanide ligand is -1 and there are four of them, giving -4 from ligands. The complex’ total charge is Pt oxidation state plus (-4) = -2, so Pt must be in the +2 oxidation state. Hence the charge on the complex ion is -2.

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