Transition Metal Complexes and Stability

The video tutorial covers the 18 electron rule, which is crucial for determining the stability of transition metal complexes, particularly those that are octahedral or tetrahedral. It provides examples of ruthenium, molybdenum, and tungsten complexes, explaining how to calculate the total electron count by considering the valence electrons of the metal and the electrons donated by ligands. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of memorizing common ligands and their charges to apply the rule effectively. It concludes with a note on the significance of coordinatively unsaturated complexes in catalysis.

What is the primary purpose of the 18 electron rule in transition metal complexes?

• To determine the color of the complex

• To assess the stability of the complex

• To calculate the molecular weight of the complex

• To predict the magnetic properties of the complex

In the ruthenium complex example, what is the charge on the hydride ligand?

• 2-

• 1-

• 1+

• Neutral

Why is the molybdenum complex with alkoxide and alkylidyne ligands considered unstable?

• It has more than 18 electrons

• It has an incorrect oxidation state

• It has fewer than 18 electrons

• It has exactly 18 electrons

What is the oxidation state of molybdenum in the complex with seven methyl isocyanide ligands?

• 0

• +2

• +6

• +4

In the molybdenum complex with carbonyl, bromide, and phenyl alkylidyne, what is the total charge from the ligands?

• 5-

• 4-

• 3-

• 2-

What is the charge on the Cp- ligand in the tungsten complex?

• 1+

• 1-

• 2-

• Neutral

How many d electrons does tungsten have in the tungsten complex after losing two electrons?

• 6

• 4

• 2

• 8

What is the total electron count for the tungsten complex, making it stable?

• 16

• 22

• 18

• 20

Which ligand in the tungsten complex has a 1+ charge?

• Nitrosyl

• Allylic

• Carbonyl

• Cp-

What is the significance of memorizing common ligand charges in transition metal complexes?

• To understand the magnetic properties

• To calculate the molecular weight

• To determine the stability of the complex

• To predict the color of the complex