Complex Name for [Fe(CN)6]4-

[SophiaNguyen_2L]

Hello! Toolbox 9C.1 in the textbook says this complex is called hexacyanidoferrate(II). However, the textbook also had this complex in a problem and its answer key says it's called hexacyanoferrate(II). The difference is just the "-ido" after the cyano. Which name is correct? And could someone please explain when I need to add the "ido," "ado," and "ito" to the name? Thank you!

[Vivian Chang 3L]

Hi! Dr. Lavelle mentioned in lecture that both the -ido and -o are the same thing, except -ido is a newer notation and -o is the one we will mainly use in this course. So technically, both hexacyanoferrate(II) and hexacyanidoferrate(II) are correct.

If the ligand ends with -ide, you change the ending to -ido (i.e. chloride to chlorido). If it ends with -ate, you change it to -ato (i.e. sulfate to sulfato). If it ends with -ite, you change it to -ito (nitrite to nitrito).

[Rachel Jiang 3H]

Hi! I think Dr. Lavelle mentioned in one of his lectures that chemists usually use '-o' after the ligand but the textbook sometimes uses a new way of naming coordination compound which uses '-ido' after the ligand. Therefore, I believe that hexacyanoferrate(II) and hexacyanidoferrate(II) are the same thing and Dr. Lavelle said that it's fine to use either way but hexacyanoferrate(II) is more common. Hope this helps!

[Sophia Wendin 3L]

Hi! Dr. Lavelle mentioned in lecture that both the -ido and -o are the same thing, except -ido is a newer notation and -o is the one we will mainly use in this course. So technically, both hexacyanoferrate(II) and hexacyanidoferrate(II) are correct.

If the ligand ends with -ide, you change the ending to -ido (i.e. chloride to chlorido). If it ends with -ate, you change it to -ato (i.e. sulfate to sulfato). If it ends with -ite, you change it to -ito (nitrite to nitrito).

Thank you! This was a helpful explanation