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The increasing order of acidic strength for the aqua complexes $[\text{V}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+}$, $[\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+}$, $[\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+}$, and $[\text{Co}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+}$ is:

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For metal aqua complexes, oxidation state is the dominant factor determining acidity. If oxidation states are equal, acidity increases from left to right across a period as ionic radius decreases.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • $[\text{V}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+} \lt [\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+} \lt [\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+} \lt [\text{Co}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+}$
  • $[\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+} \lt [\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+} \lt [\text{V}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+} \lt [\text{Co}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+}$
  • $[\text{Co}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+} \lt [\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+} \lt [\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+} \lt [\text{V}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+}$
  • $[\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+} \lt [\text{Fe}(\text{H}{_2}\text{O})_6]^{3+} \lt [\text{Co}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+} \lt [\text{V}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+}$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand why these complexes are acidic.
In a metal aqua complex, the central metal ion pulls electron density away from the bound water. This makes it easier for that water to let go of a proton ($\text{H}^+$). The stronger the pull, the more acidic the complex. So we just need to rank how strongly each metal pulls.

Step 2: Find the pulling power.
The pull depends on charge density, which is the charge of the ion divided by its size. A higher charge and a smaller size both raise the charge density and therefore raise the acidity. So we compare charges first, then sizes.

Step 3: Compare by charge.
The two $+2$ ions, $[\text{V}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+}$ and $[\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+}$, have lower charge density and so are the weaker acids. The two $+3$ ions, $[\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+}$ and $[\text{Co}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+}$, have higher charge density and so are the stronger acids.

Step 4: Rank the two $+2$ ions.
Between $\text{V}^{2+}$ and $\text{Fe}^{2+}$, iron sits further right in the period and is a bit smaller with higher effective nuclear charge, so $\text{Fe}^{2+}$ pulls slightly harder than $\text{V}^{2+}$. So $\text{V}^{2+}$ is the least acidic of all.

Step 5: Rank the two $+3$ ions.
Between $\text{Fe}^{3+}$ and $\text{Co}^{3+}$, cobalt is smaller and has a higher charge density, so $\text{Co}^{3+}$ is the most acidic. That puts $\text{Fe}^{3+}$ just below it.

Step 6: Write the full increasing order.
Putting the pieces together from weakest to strongest gives V(II), then Fe(II), then Fe(III), then Co(III).

\[ \boxed{[\text{V}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+} < [\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{2+} < [\text{Fe}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+} < [\text{Co}(\text{H}_2\text{O})_6]^{3+}} \]
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