ABC26IN0227 · Organometallic Compounds

Subject: Inorganic Chemistry · Chapter: Organometallic Compounds · Topic: Organometallic Compounds – General · Exam: CSIR-NET JUNE 2011 · Marks: 2 · Difficulty: Easy

Oxidation occurs very easily in case of
(a)$\left(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5}\right)_{2}\,\mathrm{Fe}$
(b)$\left(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5}\right)_{2},\;\mathrm{Co}$
(c)$\left(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5}\right)_{2},\;\mathrm{Ru}$
(d)$\left(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5}\right)_{2},\mathrm{Co}^{+}$
Answer
Answer (as printed): B
Explanation
Compound and number of electrons in the outer shell of the central atom:
CompoundNumber of electrons
$(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5})_2\mathrm{Fe}$18
$(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5})_2\mathrm{Co}$19
$(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5})_2\mathrm{Ru}$18
$(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5})_2\mathrm{Co}^{+}$18
Oxidation (loss of electrons) of $(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5})_2\mathrm{Co}$ to $(\eta^{5}\text{-}\mathrm{C_5H_5})_2\mathrm{Co}^{+}$ gives an 18-electron compound (more stable), therefore easy to oxidise.

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