To solve the question regarding the composition of `FeCl3.6H2O`, we will break it down step by step.
### Step 1: Understand the Formula
The compound `FeCl3.6H2O` indicates that it consists of iron (Fe), chlorine (Cl), and water (H2O). Specifically, it contains one iron ion, three chloride ions, and six water molecules.
**Hint:** Identify the components of the formula by separating the metal, ligands, and water of crystallization.
### Step 2: Determine the Coordination Number
In coordination chemistry, the coordination number refers to the number of ligand atoms that are bonded to the central metal ion. For `FeCl3.6H2O`, the iron ion (Fe) is typically in the +3 oxidation state and coordinates with the ligands.
**Hint:** Recall that water (H2O) acts as a neutral ligand, while chloride (Cl-) is a negatively charged ligand.
### Step 3: Identify the Ligands
In `FeCl3.6H2O`, we have:
- 3 chloride ions (Cl-)
- 6 water molecules (H2O)
The water molecules can coordinate with the iron ion, contributing to the overall structure of the complex.
**Hint:** Count the number of each type of ligand present in the formula.
### Step 4: Describe the Structure
The structure of `FeCl3.6H2O` can be described as an octahedral complex. In this complex, the iron ion is at the center, surrounded by the ligands. The typical arrangement is that the water molecules occupy the octahedral positions, while the chloride ions can be positioned either in a cis or trans arrangement.
**Hint:** Visualize the octahedral geometry and how ligands are arranged around the central metal ion.
### Step 5: Identify Isomerism
In the case of `FeCl3.6H2O`, the arrangement of the ligands can lead to different isomers. If the two chloride ions are adjacent to each other, it is called a cis isomer. If they are opposite each other, it is called a trans isomer.
**Hint:** Think about how the positions of ligands can affect the properties of the complex.
### Conclusion
Thus, `FeCl3.6H2O` consists of one iron ion, three chloride ions, and six water molecules, forming an octahedral complex. Depending on the arrangement of the chloride ions, it can exhibit cis or trans isomerism.
**Final Answer:** `FeCl3.6H2O` consists of 1 Fe, 3 Cl, and 6 H2O, forming an octahedral complex that can exist as either cis or trans isomers.
