Naming complex compounds

[Kelly Ortega 1K]

How do you determine the oxidation number of (en) ethylenediamine? Do you add the oxidation numbers of all of the molecules that make up (en) or does it already have a number that we just have to memorize?

[Carla Cruz Medina 1L]

You should just memorize it. It's 2

[Angela Martinez_1B]

The oxidation number is the charge of the ion. Therefore, because (en) ethylenediamine is neutral, its oxidation number is 0.

[Laura Rabichow 1J]

You do need to memorize that chart in the course reader. In it, neutral ligands (ethylenediamine, ammine, etc) are listed and have oxidation numbers of 0. For the charged ligands the oxidation numbers are listed in the table as well.

[jeree pucan]

is the oxidation state and the oxidation number the same? does it make a difference if we write it in roman numerals or if we write it as a charge?

[Chem_Mod]

Oxidation state is a term usually used to refer to an atom. Therefore, it is more correct to say "charge on the ligand." Oxidation state and the oxidation number on the metal have a similar meaning, but differ slightly. Oxidation number usually refers only to coordination compound metal while oxidation state can be calculated for any atom. When naming the coordination compound, you must always use roman numerals for the oxidation state/number of the central metal atom.