Question

Identify the correct formula for hexaaquamanganese(II) ion.

(a) [Mn(H2O)6]^2+

(b) [Mn(H2O)6]^2-

(c) [Mn2(H2O)6]^+

(d) [Mn(H2O)6]^+2

I got this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

This is a very interesting question from Nomenclature of Coordination Compounds topic in division Coordination Compounds of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) [Mn(H2O)6]^2+

To explain I would say: The parenthesis after manganese represents its oxidation state (+2) which is indicated outside the square bracket with sign following the number. The H2O molecule is a neutral ligand named as aqua.