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Choose the Best Answer · Q17

Q.Formula of tris(ethane-1,2-diamine)iron(II) phosphate

(d) [Fe(H₂N-CH₂-CH₂-NH₂)₃]₃(PO₄)₂
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Step 1. 'Tris(ethane-1,2-diamine)iron(II)' names the complex cation [Fe(en)₃]²⁺: Fe is (II), i.e. +2, and en (written out as H₂N-CH₂-CH₂-NH₂) is neutral, so x + 3(0) = +2 checks out with x = +2.

Step 2. Phosphate is PO₄³⁻, a -3 anion.

Step 3. To balance a +2 cation against a -3 anion, find the lowest common multiple of 2 and 3, which is 6: 3 cations (3×+2 = +6) balance 2 anions (2×-3 = -6).

Step 4. So the formula is [Fe(en)₃]₃(PO₄)₂, written out with en expanded as [Fe(H₂N-CH₂-CH₂-NH₂)₃]₃(PO₄)₂. …

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