Question
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What Is the IUPAC Name of NiCl₄²⁻?

Verified Answer

The IUPAC name of NiCl₄²⁻ is tetrachloronickelate(II) ion.

IUPAC Nomenclature for Complex Ions:

Naming Components:

1. Ligand:

  • Chloro- (for Cl⁻ ligands)
  • "Tetra-" prefix (4 chloride ligands)
  • Result: tetrachloro-

2. Metal:

  • Nickel (central metal)
  • "-ate" suffix (indicates anionic complex)
  • Result: nickelate

3. Oxidation State:

  • Ni oxidation state: +2
  • Indicated in Roman numerals in parentheses
  • Result: (II)

Complete Name:Tetrachloronickelate(II) ion

Alternative Representation:

  • [NiCl₄]²⁻
  • Square planar geometry
  • Coordination number: 4

Oxidation State Calculation:

  • Let Ni oxidation state = x
  • 4(Cl⁻) + Ni = -2 (overall charge)
  • x + 4(-1) = -2
  • x = +2

Key Takeaways:

  • IUPAC name: tetrachloronickelate(II)
  • Formula: [NiCl₄]²⁻
  • Oxidation state of Ni: +2
  • Anionic complex (hence "-ate" suffix)