Sketch the structure of the complex in each of the following compounds and give the full compound name:
b. Na₂[Ru(H₂O)Cl₅]

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Identify the central metal atom in the complex, which in this case is ruthenium (Ru).

Determine the oxidation state of ruthenium. Since the overall charge of the complex is -2 (as indicated by Na₂), and knowing the charges of the ligands (H₂O is neutral and Cl^- has a -1 charge), calculate the oxidation state of Ru.

Sketch the structure of the complex. Place the ruthenium at the center and arrange the ligands around it. There are five chloride ions and one water molecule, which typically form an octahedral geometry around the central metal.

Assign the geometry of the complex based on the number and type of ligands. In this case, with six ligands, the geometry is octahedral.

Write the full name of the compound. Start with the cation, which is sodium (Na⁺). Then name the complex part: use the prefixes to indicate the number of each type of ligand (pentachloro for five chloride ions and aqua for one water molecule), followed by the name of the metal with its oxidation state in Roman numerals in parentheses.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Coordination Compounds

Coordination compounds consist of a central metal atom or ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions, known as ligands. In this case, Ru (Ruthenium) is the central metal, and it is coordinated with five chloride ions and one water molecule. Understanding the nature of these interactions is crucial for sketching the correct structure.

Ligands

Ligands are ions or molecules that can donate a pair of electrons to a metal center in a coordination complex. They can be classified as monodentate (binding through one atom) or polydentate (binding through multiple atoms). In the given compound, water acts as a monodentate ligand, while chloride ions can also be considered monodentate ligands.

Oxidation States

The oxidation state of a metal in a coordination compound indicates its charge and is essential for understanding the compound's reactivity and properties. In Na2[Ru(H2O)Cl5], the oxidation state of Ru can be determined by considering the charges of the ligands and the overall charge of the complex, which is neutral. This understanding is vital for accurately naming the compound.