Predict the number of ions produced per formula unit in an aqueous solution of `[Co(en)_(3)]Cl_(3)`

Options

A. 4
B. 3
C. 6
D. 2

Answer

To predict the number of ions produced per formula unit in an aqueous solution of \([Co(en)_3]Cl_3\), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the components of the compound
The compound \([Co(en)_3]Cl_3\) consists of:
- A central metal ion: \(Co^{3+}\)
- Ligands: \(en\) (ethylenediamine), which is a bidentate ligand
- Counter ions: \(Cl^-\)

### Step 2: Understand the structure of the compound
The coordination complex \([Co(en)_3]^{3+}\) indicates that there is one cobalt ion coordinated with three ethylenediamine ligands. The \(Cl_3\) indicates that there are three chloride ions associated with the complex.

### Step 3: Determine the dissociation in water
When \([Co(en)_3]Cl_3\) is dissolved in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions. The dissociation can be represented as follows:

\[ [Co(en)_3]Cl_3 \rightarrow [Co(en)_3]^{3+} + 3Cl^- \]

### Step 4: Count the total number of ions produced
From the dissociation:
- One \([Co(en)_3]^{3+}\) ion is produced.
- Three \(Cl^-\) ions are produced.

Adding these together gives:
\[ 1 + 3 = 4 \text{ ions} \]

### Conclusion
Thus, the number of ions produced per formula unit of \([Co(en)_3]Cl_3\) in an aqueous solution is **4**.

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