Question

What is Oxidation state of Fe inside and outside in Fe4[Fe(CN)6]

Answer 1

Oxidation state of Fe in Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3 can be determine as follow :

1. Oxidation state of outer Fe

Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3 being a salt will dissociate as :

Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3 → 4 Fe 3+ + 3 [Fe(CN)6]4-

Hence the oxidation state of outer Fe is 3 +

2. Oxidation State of inner Fe

Let the oxidation number of Fe be X

Here oxidation number on CN = -1

For [Fe(CN)6]4-

X × 6 (-1) = -4

∴ X = +2

Hence the oxidation state/ number of inner Fe is +2