A complex that is the subject of a great deal of research because of its high oxidation potential is ferrate, FeO₄²^-.How many unpaired electrons are in this complex? A) 4 B) 2 C) 1 D) 6 E) 3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine the number of unpaired electrons, we need to examine the electron configuration of the Fe atom in the complex. The Fe atom has 26 electrons, and its configuration is [Ar] 3d6 4s2. The oxidation state of Fe in ferrate is +6, so Fe loses all 6 of its 3d electrons and one of its 4s electrons to form Fe(VI). The remaining 4s electron is paired with another electron from sulfur to form a S2p-Fe-4s2 bond. Therefore, Fe in ferrate has two unpaired electrons in its 3d subshell. Thus, the answer is B.

A Complex That Is the Subject of a Great Deal