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Ch.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 21.2

Based on effective nuclear charge (Zeff), which ion is the strongest oxidizing agent? 
(a) Cu2+
(b) Ni2+
(c) Fe2+
(d) Mn2+

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Effective Nuclear Charge (Z_eff)

Effective nuclear charge (Z_eff) refers to the net positive charge experienced by an electron in a multi-electron atom. It accounts for the shielding effect of inner electrons, which reduces the full nuclear charge felt by outer electrons. A higher Z_eff indicates a stronger attraction between the nucleus and the outer electrons, influencing the atom's reactivity and ability to act as an oxidizing agent.
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Oxidizing Agent

An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to be oxidized. The strength of an oxidizing agent is often related to its ability to attract electrons, which is influenced by its effective nuclear charge. Stronger oxidizing agents have a greater tendency to accept electrons, making them more reactive in redox reactions.
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Transition Metals and Oxidation States

Transition metals can exhibit multiple oxidation states, which significantly affects their chemical behavior, including their role as oxidizing agents. The oxidation state of a transition metal ion can influence its Z_eff and, consequently, its ability to accept electrons. Understanding the common oxidation states of metals like Cu, Ni, Fe, and Mn is crucial for predicting their reactivity and identifying the strongest oxidizing agent among them.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Cobalt(III) trifluoroacetylacetonate, Co(tfac)3, is a sixc oordinate, octahedral metal chelate in which three planar, bidentate tfac ligands are attached to a central Co atom:

(a) Draw all possible diastereoisomers and enantiomers of Co(tfac)3.

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Textbook Question

Cobalt(III) trifluoroacetylacetonate, Co(tfac)3, is a sixcoordinate, octahedral metal chelate in which three planar, bidentate tfac ligands are attached to a central Co atom:

(b) Diastereoisomers A and B have dipole moments of 6.5 D and 3.8 D, respectively. Which of your diastereoisomers is A and which is B?

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Textbook Question

Cobalt(III) trifluoroacetylacetonate, Co1tfac23, is a sixcoordinate, octahedral metal chelate in which three planar, bidentate tfac ligands are attached to a central Co atom:

(d) Draw a crystal field energy-level diagram for Co1tfac23, and predict its magnetic properties. (In this complex, tfac is a strong-field ligand.)

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Textbook Question

Look at the location in the periodic table of elements A, B, C, and D. What is the electron configuration of the transition metal in each of the following ions?  

(a) A2+

(b) B+

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Textbook Question

The oxalate ion is a bidentate ligand as indicated in Figure 21.8. Would you expect the carbonate ion to be a monodentate or bidentate ligand? Explain your reasoning.

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Textbook Question

Classify the following ligands as monodentate, bidentate, tri-dentate, or tetradentate. Which can form chelate rings?

(a)  

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

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