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

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

Solution: In the complex [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, which is [Cr(NH3)6]Cl3.
Step 2: Recognize that NH3 (ammonia) is a neutral ligand, meaning it does not contribute any charge.
Step 3: Determine the overall charge of the complex ion [Cr(NH3)6]. Since it is paired with 3 Cl- ions, the total charge from Cl is -3.
Step 4: Set up the equation for the charge balance: Charge of [Cr(NH3)6] + Charge from Cl = 0. Let the oxidation state of Cr be x.
Step 5: Since there are no charges from NH3, the equation simplifies to x - 3 = 0.
Step 6: Solve for x: x = +3. This means the oxidation state of chromium in the complex is +3.