What is the geometry of the complex ion [Cu(NH3)4]SO4?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the geometry of the complex ion [Cu(NH3)4]SO4?
Tetrahedral
Square planar
Octahedral
Trigonal bipyramidal
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the geometry of the complex ion [Cu(NH3)4]SO4?
Step 1: Identify the complex ion, which is [Cu(NH3)4]SO4. This means we have a copper ion (Cu) surrounded by four ammonia (NH3) molecules.
Step 2: Determine the charge of the complex ion. The sulfate (SO4) has a charge of -2, so the complex ion [Cu(NH3)4] must have a charge of +2 to balance it.
Step 3: Understand the oxidation state of copper in the complex. Since the complex ion has a +2 charge, copper is in the +2 oxidation state.
Step 4: Look at the electron configuration of copper. Copper (Cu) has an atomic number of 29, and in the +2 state, it has a d9 electron configuration (meaning it has 9 electrons in the d-orbitals).
Step 5: Determine the geometry based on the d9 configuration. Complexes with a d9 configuration typically adopt a square planar geometry.
Step 6: Conclude that the geometry of the complex ion [Cu(NH3)4]2+ is square planar.
