The charge of a coordination entity is indicated as a right superscript outside the square brackets, such as [Co(CN)₆]³⁻ or [Cr(H₂O)₆]³⁺. The charge of the cation(s) is balanced by the charge of the anion(s) in the overall compound.
How is the charge of a coordination entity represented, and how is the balance maintained in charged coordination compounds?
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The charge of a coordination entity is represented as a right superscript outside the square brackets in its formula. For example, [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ indicates a complex with a charge of -3. The balance in charged coordination compounds is maintained by ensuring that the sum of the charges of the cations and anions equals zero for a neutral compound or equals the overall charge for an ionic compound. The Roman numeral in parentheses following the central metal’s name indicates its oxidation state. This systematic representation aids in understanding the compound’s charge distribution and overall electrical neutrality or charge.