A coordination compound $CrCl_3.4H_2O$ precipitates silver chloride when treated with silver nitrate. The molar conductance of its solution corresponds to a total of two ions. What is the formula of the compound?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → $[Cr(H_2O)_4Cl_2].Cl$
Complete statement:
The coordination compound is $[Cr(H_2O)_4Cl_2]Cl$.
Reasoning:
1. Information from molar conductance
It corresponds to a total of two ions in solution.
So the compound must dissociate as:
$\text{[complex]}^+ + \text{Cl}^{-}$
This means only one chloride ion is outside the coordination sphere (as counter-ion).
2. Information from $AgNO_3$ test
It precipitates $AgCl$, so at least one $Cl^-$ must be free (ionic) in solution.
Hence, exactly one chloride is outside the complex.
3. Total composition is $CrCl_3.4H_2O$
So total:
$Cr = 1$
$Cl = 3$
$H_2O = 4$
If $1\, Cl^-$ is outside, then $2\, Cl^-$ must be inside the coordination sphere.
Thus the complex part is:
$[Cr(H_2O),Cl_2]^+$
and the full compound is:
$[Cr(H_2O)_4Cl_2]Cl$
Why other options are incorrect:
- $[Cr(H_2O)_4]Cl_3$ → gives 4 ions (1 complex + 3 $Cl^-$)
- $[CrCl_3].4H_2O$ → no free $Cl^-$ ions for $AgCl$ precipitation
- $[Cr(H_2O)_3Cl_3].H_2O$ → no ionic chloride
So the correct answer is:
$[Cr(H_2O)_4Cl_2]Cl$