In the disproportionation 3Co₂(CO)₈ + 6en → 2[Co(en)₃][Co(CO)₄]₂ + 8CO, let P be the total number of valence electrons on the two Co atoms in one Co₂(CO)₈ (count the Co–Co bond), Q the number of metal

Question

In the disproportionation 3Co₂(CO)₈ + 6en → 2[Co(en)₃][Co(CO)₄]₂ + 8CO, let P be the total number of valence electrons on the two Co atoms in one Co₂(CO)₈ (count the Co–Co bond), Q the number of metal–carbon bonds in one formula unit of the product salt, and R the difference between the oxidation numbers of cobalt in the cation and the anion. Find P + Q + R.

TestHub · Accepted Answer

Each Co in Co₂(CO)₈ has 9 + 8 + 1 = 18 electrons, so P = 36. The product has two [Co(CO)₄]⁻ units, so Q = 8 Co–C bonds. Co is +2 in [Co(en)₃]²⁺ and −1 in [Co(CO)₄]⁻, so R = 3. P + Q + R = 47.

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