Question:
The oxidation number of cobalt in K[Co(CO)4] is
(i) +1
(ii) +3
(iii) −1
(iv) −3
Solution:
We know that CO is a neutral ligand and K carries a charge of +1.
Therefore, the complex can be written as K+[Co(CO)4]−. Therefore, the oxidation number of Co in the given complex is −1. Hence, option (iii) is correct.