Iron is a transition element in the fourth period. Iron forms compounds containing the ions Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺.
- (a)(i)Define the term transition element.[1]
- (a)(ii)Compare the melting point and density of iron with those of calcium, an s-block element in the fourth period. melting point density[1]
- (a)(iii)Complete the electronic configuration of an isolated gaseous Fe²⁺ ion. 1s²[1]
- (a)(iv)Aqueous Fe³⁺ ions form coloured complexes. Explain the origin of the colour in transition element complexes.[4]
- (b)(i)State the shape of the [Fe(H₂O)₆]²⁺(aq) complex ion.[1]
- (b)(ii)Write the equation for the reaction between [Fe(H₂O)₆]²⁺(aq) ions and an excess of CN⁻(aq) ions.[1]
- (b)(iii)Deduce the oxidation states of iron in: [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ [Fe(CN)NO]²⁻.[1]
- (b)(iv)Define the term monodentate ligand.[2]
- (b)(v)Complete the diagram to show the three-dimensional structure of the [Fe(CN)NO]²⁻ complex ion. [Figure 1.1][1]
- (b)(vi)The two complex ions [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ and [Fe(CN)₅NO]²⁻ are different colours. Explain why the colours of the two complex ions are different.[2]
- (c)(i)Define the term coordination number.[1]
- (c)(ii)E shows both optical isomerism and cis-trans isomerism. One isomer of E is shown. The C₂O₄²⁻ ion is represented as -ox/. In the boxes, draw three-dimensional diagrams to show: • the trans isomer of E • the optical isomer of E. [Figure 1.2][2]
- (c)(iii)[Fe(C₂O₄)₂Cl₂]⁴⁻ contains ligands which are anions of ethanedioic acid, HO₂CCO₂H. Complete the table to show any observations for the reactions of HO₂CCO₂H with the named reagents. Where no change is observed, write 'none'. | reagent | observations with HO₂CCO₂H | |-----------------------------|---------------------------| | warm acidified manganate(VII) | | | 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine | | | warm Tollens' reagent | |[2]
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Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] forms (one or more stable) ions with partially filled (3)d-subshell
- [1] (Iron) has a higher (melting point) AND is denser/higher (density) (than calcium)
- [1] (1s²) 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d6 (4s°)
- [4] M1 d sub-shell splits into two sets of d orbitals of different energy
- M2 wavelength / frequency of light absorbed
- M3 electron(s) promoted / excited
- M4 colour seen is complementary (to colour absorbed)
- [1] octahedral
- [1] [Fe(H2O)6]2+ + 6CN- → [Fe(CN)6]4− + 6H2O
- [1] [Fe(CN)6]4- is (+)2
- [Fe(CN)5NO]2- is (+)3
- [2] M1 forms a single / one dative bond to a (central) metal atom / ion
- M2 with lone pair (of electrons)
- [1] (diagram showing Fe with 5 CN and 1 NO octahedrally arranged)
- [2] M1 d-d energy gap / ΔE is different
- M2 different frequency / wavelength of light absorbed
- [1] the number of dative bonds formed with/by the (central) metal atom / ion OR number of bonds between the ligands and the (central) metal atom / ion
- [2] (diagrams for trans and optical isomers)
- [2] reactant: warm H+/MnO4- ; observation: decolourised OR effervescence / bubbling / fizzing
- reactant: 2,4-DNPH ; observation: none / no reaction
- reactant: warm Tollens' reagent ; observation: none / no reaction
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