What is the oxidation state of chromium in the complex [Cr(NH3)6]Cl3?

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Q: What is the oxidation state of chromium in the complex [Cr(NH3)6]Cl3?

Solution: In [Cr(NH3)6]Cl3, the ammonia ligands are neutral, so the oxidation state of chromium is +3.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Identify the complex ion in the formula [Cr(NH3)6]Cl3. The complex ion is [Cr(NH3)6].
Step 2: Recognize that NH3 (ammonia) is a neutral ligand, meaning it does not contribute any charge.
Step 3: Note that Cl3 indicates there are three chloride ions (Cl-) outside the complex ion, which each have a charge of -1.
Step 4: Since there are three Cl- ions, the total negative charge from the chloride ions is -3.
Step 5: To balance the -3 charge from the chloride ions, the overall charge of the complex ion [Cr(NH3)6] must be +3.
Step 6: Therefore, the oxidation state of chromium (Cr) in the complex [Cr(NH3)6] is +3.