In the complex [Fe(CN)₆]⁴^-, A) iron is a Lewis acid and cyanide is a Lewis base. B) Cyanide is a Lewis acid. C) iron has an oxidation number of +3. D) Cyanide has an oxidation number of -2.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the complex [Fe(CN)6]4-, iron acts as a Lewis acid by accepting electron pairs from the cyanide ligands, which are Lewis bases. Cyanide is not a Lewis acid, and the oxidation number of iron in this complex is +2, not +3. Cyanide as a ligand does not have an oxidation number of -2; it is a neutral ligand in terms of oxidation state.

In the Complex [Fe(CN)6]4-

In the Complex [Fe(CN)₆]⁴^-