Question

What is the coordination number of $C{u}^{2+}$ in $CuS{O}_4\cdot 5H_{2}O$?

• A. 5
• B. 4
• C. 3
• D. 2

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

4

The total number of points of attachment (or ligand) attached to the central metal ion through coordinate bonds is called coordination number of the metal ion. In $CuS{O}_4.5H_{2}O$, four of the water molecules are connected through coordinate bond and the fifth molecule of water is of crystallization. Its complex formula can be written as:

$\left[Cu\right(H_{2}O{)}_4]S{O}_4.H_{2}O$