Which of the following metals is most likely to form a complex ion with a coordination number of 6?

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Q: Which of the following metals is most likely to form a complex ion with a coordination number of 6?

Solution: Iron commonly forms octahedral complexes with a coordination number of 6 due to its ability to accommodate six ligands.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what a complex ion is. A complex ion is a metal ion bonded to one or more molecules or ions called ligands.
Step 2: Learn about coordination number. The coordination number is the number of ligands that can bond to a central metal ion.
Step 3: Identify the common coordination numbers for metals. Coordination numbers can be 2, 4, or 6, with 6 being the most common for certain metals.
Step 4: Recognize that a coordination number of 6 typically leads to an octahedral shape, where six ligands surround the metal ion.
Step 5: Know that iron (Fe) is a metal that often forms octahedral complexes with a coordination number of 6.
Step 6: Conclude that iron is the metal most likely to form a complex ion with a coordination number of 6.