Question

The oxidation state and effective atomic number of $Fe$ in ferrocene are respectively?

• A. $+2,36$
• B. $Zero,44$
• C. $+2,44$
• D. $Zero,36$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $+2,36$

Let the oxidation state of $Fe$ be x, and in ferrocene, there are 2 cyclopentadienyl ligands in which each ligand have a negative charge Therefore x+(-1x2)=0, this implies x=+2. Hence the oxidation state is +2. Now, the EAN is the sum of the atomic number of the metal, the number of electrons donated by the ligand subtracting the positive charge on the metal.Therefore, EAN = 26+2x6-2=36. Hence the oxidation number and EAN of Fe is +2,36 respectively. Therefore the correct option is A.