Chapter 30: Problem 1

Differentiate between low-valent metal clusters and high-valent metal clusters with the help of suitable examples.

Short Answer

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Low-valent metal clusters contain metals with low oxidation states and represent nobler metals. For instance, copper tetramer is a low-valent metal cluster. On the other hand, high-valent metal clusters contain metals with higher oxidation states and often represent transition metals. An example is the Iron-molybdenum cofactor in nitrogenase known as FeMoco.

Step by step solution

Define Low-Valent Metal Clusters

Low-valent metal clusters are clusters that contain metals with low oxidation states. These are typically represented by a nobler metal like gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), etc. They often show lower reactivity due to the incomplete filling of d orbitals.

Example of Low-Valent Metal Clusters

An example of a low-valent metal cluster is the copper tetramer [Cu4H4(PPh3)4]. In this molecule, each copper atom is in the +1 oxidation state.

Define High-Valent Metal Clusters

High-valent metal clusters are clusters that contain metals with higher oxidation states. They are usually represented by transition metals like iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), etc. Their high reactivity is due to a high oxidation state and filling of d orbitals.

Example of High-Valent Metal Clusters

An illustration of a high-valent metal cluster is the Iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco) found in nitrogenase. The complex contains both iron and molybdenum atoms with high oxidation states.

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Differentiate between low-valent metal clusters and high-valent metal clusters with the help of suitable examples.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Low-Valent Metal Clusters

Example of Low-Valent Metal Clusters

Define High-Valent Metal Clusters

Example of High-Valent Metal Clusters

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