Which of the following statements is/are true about the coordination complex of: Na₂[SnCl₆].
I) The coordination complex contains 8 ligands.
II) The metal cation of the complex ion has an overall charge of +6.
III) The sodium ion represents the counterion.
IV) The complex ion has an overall charge of –2.

• A. I only
• B. II and III
• C. I, III, and IV
• D. III and IV
• E. IV only

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the components of the coordination complex Na2[SnCl6]. The complex consists of a complex ion [SnCl6] and counterions Na+.
2. Step 2: Determine the number of ligands in the complex ion [SnCl6]. The complex ion contains 6 chloride (Cl-) ligands coordinated to the central metal atom, tin (Sn).
3. Step 3: Calculate the charge of the complex ion [SnCl6]. Each chloride ion has a charge of -1, and there are 6 chloride ions, giving a total charge of -6 from the ligands. The complex ion has an overall charge of -2, indicating that the tin ion must have a charge of +4 to balance the charges.
4. Step 4: Identify the role of the sodium ions (Na+). The sodium ions are present to balance the charge of the complex ion, acting as counterions. Since there are two Na+ ions, they balance the -2 charge of the complex ion.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the statements: I) Incorrect, as there are 6 ligands. II) Incorrect, as the metal cation has a charge of +4. III) Correct, sodium ions are counterions. IV) Correct, the complex ion has a charge of -2.