Carbon-Silver-Carbon Angle in [Ag(CN)2]-

[elitewarr]

Homework Statement

What is the carbon-silver-carbon angle in the complex ion [Ag(CN)2]-??

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

The answer is 180 degrees why? I thought that complex ion is a ionic compound? If so, how would the shape be like? Thanks.

 

[Rajini]

Hello,
please have a look at 'cyanide' and 'p orbital' for details..on wiki
hopefully you will valuable information.

 

[elitewarr]

Oh...
"the dicyanides [M(CN)2]− (M = Cu, Ag, Au), which are linear in geometry." from wiki
But why? M is the ligand and both CN- are bonded with M. So the ionic bond in between them is at 180 degrees?

 

[Fightfish]

The bond between the CN- ions and the Ag+ ion is not ionic, but covalent. The complex ion [Ag(CN)2]- is a coordination complex.

 

[DeeNos]

I can confirm that the carbon-silver-carbon angle in the complex ion [Ag(CN)2]- is indeed 180 degrees. This is because the two carbon atoms are bonded to the silver atom through linear covalent bonds, which have a bond angle of 180 degrees. This arrangement is known as a linear molecular geometry, where the atoms are arranged in a straight line.

It is important to note that complex ions are not always ionic compounds. In this case, the complex ion [Ag(CN)2]- is a covalent compound, as the bonds between the carbon and silver atoms are formed through the sharing of electrons. The overall charge of the complex ion is negative due to the presence of two negatively charged cyanide ions, but this does not necessarily make it an ionic compound.

The shape of a complex ion can vary depending on the type and number of ligands (atoms or molecules attached to the central metal ion) present. In this case, the linear molecular geometry is a result of the two ligands (CN-) being arranged on opposite sides of the silver atom, creating a straight line. I hope this clarifies any confusion.