Assign a systematic name to each of the following ions.  
(a) [AuCl₄]^-
(b) [Fe(CN)₆]^4-

Verified step by step guidance

1. <insert step 1> Identify the central metal atom in each complex ion. For (a), the central metal is Au (gold), and for (b), it is Fe (iron).
2. <insert step 2> Determine the oxidation state of the central metal atom. For (a), consider the charge of the ligands (Cl is -1) and the overall charge of the ion (-1) to find the oxidation state of Au. For (b), consider the charge of the ligands (CN is -1) and the overall charge of the ion (-4) to find the oxidation state of Fe.
3. <insert step 3> Name the ligands. For (a), the ligand is chloride, and for (b), the ligand is cyanide. Use the appropriate prefixes if there are multiple identical ligands (e.g., tetra- for four chloride ions).
4. <insert step 4> Combine the ligand names with the metal name. For anionic complexes, the metal name ends with the suffix '-ate'. For (a), use 'aurate' for gold, and for (b), use 'ferrate' for iron.
5. <insert step 5> Write the systematic name by placing the ligand names first, followed by the metal name with its oxidation state in Roman numerals in parentheses.>

Key Concepts

Coordination Compounds

Coordination compounds consist of a central metal atom or ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions, known as ligands. The nature of these ligands and their arrangement around the metal center significantly influence the properties and reactivity of the compound. Understanding the structure of coordination compounds is essential for naming them systematically.

Oxidation States

The oxidation state of an element in a compound indicates the degree of oxidation or reduction it has undergone. In coordination compounds, the oxidation state of the central metal ion is crucial for determining the systematic name. For example, in [AuCl4]-, gold has an oxidation state of +3, which is important for naming the ion correctly.

IUPAC Nomenclature

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) provides systematic rules for naming chemical compounds, including coordination complexes. The naming convention involves identifying the ligands, their quantities, and the oxidation state of the metal. For instance, in [Fe(CN)6]4-, the complex is named hexacyanoferrate(II) based on these rules.