Question

The total number of ions furnished by K₄[Fe(CN)₆] in solution is ______.

Answer 1

The total number of ions furnished by K₄[Fe(CN)₆] in solution is five.

Explanation:

In water, K₄[Fe(CN)₆] dissociates as:

\[\ce{K4[Fe(CN)6] -> 4K^+ + [Fe(CN)₆]^{4-}}\]

Potassium ions (K⁺) dissociate freely.

The complex ion [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ does not break into Fe²⁺ and CN⁻, because the cyanide ligands are strongly bonded to Fe²⁺ by coordinate bonds (stable complex).

∴ Total ions = 4 (potassium ions (K⁺)) + 1 (complex ion [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻) 

= 5