Question

What is the coordination number of cr in k3 [cr (ox)3]?

Answer 1

Answer: The coordination number of chromium in given complex is 6.

Explanation:

Coordination number is defined as the number of atoms that immediately surround the central metal atom in a complex.

In the given coordination complex: $K_3[Cr(ox)_3]$

Central metal atom is chromium and 3 atoms of oxalate are surrounding it.

Oxalate is a bidentate ligand which means that it donates two electrons to the metal atom. These ligands occupie two positions around the central metal atom.

There are 3 oxalate ligands, so it will occupy = (2 × 3) = 6 positions around the central metal atom.

Hence, the coordination number of chromium in given complex is 6.