Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-chemistry-b-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2025/paper-2/b8/a/i/solution

In , the tridentate ligand contains one anionic phenoxide ligand, a neutral secondary amine with its N–H bond intact, and a neutral phosphine ligand. The three chloride ligands contribute another three negative charges. Consequently the neutral complex has Ti(IV), , and 12 valence electrons:
The N–H label is essential: counting this nitrogen as an anionic amido ligand would give the wrong oxidation state. A six-coordinate early-metal complex need not obey the 18-electron rule.
In , the substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand is and anionic, while the three-carbon bent ligand is an anionic allyl ligand, a four-electron donor in ionic counting. The pendant pyridine nitrogen is uncoordinated. Therefore Mo(II), , 18 electrons follows from
The curved delocalization mark across the three-carbon ligand must not be read as a separate alkene or alkyne.

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