[Fe(CN)6]4-

[KDang_1D]

In lecture, Dr. Lavelle used the example [Fe(CN)6]4-:

a. How is CN a ligand? Unless it's CN-, it would have an unpaired electron and wouldn't be able to form a coordinate covalent bond?
b. Why is the charge 4-?

[CMaduno_1L]

I believe it is CN-, meaning it can form the coordinate covalent bond. However, I'm not exactly sure why the total charge is 4-.

[Claire Lo 3C]

The total charge is given so that you can calculate the charge of the Fe ion. In this case, since the total charge of 4-, and CN has a charge of -1, the charge of the Fe ion is +2

[WYacob_2C]

The CN- ions are considered the ligands, and these ions provide the electron pairs that form bonds to Fe2+

[Joowon Seo 3A]

CN binds to the Fe ion. The Fe ion is the central TM. By definition CN is a ligand. The charge is -4 because the Fe ion is +2. Since there are 6 CN- it becomes:
+2-6=-4

[MBouwman_4A]

Since CN has a -1 charge, the -4 overall charge is given to calculate the charge of iron (Fe), which is +2.