Complete the exercises below. Write the formula for each of the following compounds, being sure to use brackets to indicate the coordination sphere: e. bis(ethylenediamine)zinc(II) tetraiodomercurate(II).

Coordination compounds consist of a central metal atom or ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions, known as ligands. The arrangement of these ligands around the metal center forms a coordination sphere, which is crucial for determining the compound's properties and reactivity. Understanding how to represent these compounds, including the use of brackets to denote the coordination sphere, is essential for accurately writing their formulas.

Ligands are ions or molecules that can donate a pair of electrons to a central metal atom to form a coordinate bond. In the given compound, 'bis(ethylenediamine)' indicates that two ethylenediamine molecules act as bidentate ligands, each forming two bonds with the zinc ion. Recognizing the nature and number of ligands is vital for constructing the correct formula of coordination compounds.

The oxidation state of an element in a compound indicates its degree of oxidation or reduction, which is essential for understanding the compound's overall charge. In the question, zinc is in the +2 oxidation state, while the tetraiodomercurate(II) complex also has a -2 charge. Accurately determining and balancing these oxidation states is crucial for writing the correct formula of the coordination compound.