Question

Iron carbonyl, $Fe(CO)_5$ is

• A. dinuclear
• B. tetranuclear
• C. trinuclear
• D. mononuclear

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the nuclearity of iron carbonyl, Fe(CO)_5, we need to understand the structure of this compound.

Iron Carbonyl, Fe(CO)_5:

• Iron carbonyl, Fe(CO)_5, is a coordination compound consisting of a single iron (Fe) atom surrounded by five carbon monoxide (CO) ligands.
• The term "mononuclear" refers to a compound containing only one metal atom. In the case of Fe(CO)_5, there is only one iron atom bonded to the CO ligands.
• Each CO ligand is a neutral molecule that acts as a monodentate ligand, donating a pair of electrons to the iron atom.

Here is the reasoning for eliminating other options:

• Dinuclear: This implies two metal centers, which is not applicable as there is only one iron atom in Fe(CO)_5.
• Trinuclear: This implies three metal centers, which again is not applicable to Fe(CO)_5 since it contains only one iron atom.
• Tetranuclear: This implies four metal centers, which is not the case for Fe(CO)_5 as it only contains one iron atom.

Therefore, we conclude that iron carbonyl, Fe(CO)_5, is mononuclear.