Assign an oxidation state to each atom in each of the following compounds.
1) Fe(CN)3
i know Fe= +3
but how do i find the oxidation state for C and N? does CN have a normal over all charge?
(3)fe=6
To determine the oxidation state of each atom in a compound, you'll need to consider a few rules. Here's how you can find the oxidation states for C and N in Fe(CN)3:
1. Determine the oxidation state of Fe (iron). Since you mentioned that Fe has an oxidation state of +3, we can assign it without further calculation.
2. Assign an oxidation state to C (carbon). Let's assume the oxidation state of C is x.
3. Assign an oxidation state to N (nitrogen). Let's assume the oxidation state of N is y.
4. Determine the overall charge of the compound. In this case, Fe(CN)3 is neutral, meaning it has no overall charge.
Now, let's consider the charges of the individual atoms and the compound as a whole:
Fe has an oxidation state of +3 (given).
Since there are three CN groups, the total charge of these groups must balance out the charge of Fe. Since the compound is neutral, the charges must cancel out. Therefore, the sum of the oxidation states for the three CN groups must be -3.
Given that C has an oxidation state of x and N has an oxidation state of y, we can set up an equation:
3(x + y) = -3
Simplifying the equation:
3x + 3y = -3
We know that x is the oxidation state of C and y is the oxidation state of N, so solving this equation will give us the oxidation states for C and N in Fe(CN)3.
By solving for x and y, we find that x = -3 and y = +1.
Therefore, in Fe(CN)3:
- Iron (Fe) has an oxidation state of +3.
- Carbon (C) has an oxidation state of -3.
- Nitrogen (N) has an oxidation state of +1.