AP EAMCET202021 Sep 2020Morning ShiftChemistryGeneral Principles and Processes of Isolation of MetalsActual
In the extraction of silver, zinc metal is used as a reducing agent. What is the molecular structure of the zinc complex formed in this reaction?
Options
- ATetrahedral
- BLinear
- CBent
- DSquare planar
Correct answer
A. Tetrahedral
Step-by-step solution
During extraction of silver, the finely powdered silver ore is treated with dilute KCN solution to form a cyano complex of silver. This complex is water soluble. ( Ag ₂ ~S +4 NaCN 2 Na [ Ag ( CN )₂ ]+ Na ₂ ~S ) Then zinc is added to the solution. More electropositive zinc displaces silver from the complex. ( .2 Na [ Ag ( CN )₂ ]+ Zn Na ₂ [ Zn ( CN )₄ )+2 Ag ] ) In ( Zn ( CN )₂ ), zinc adopts the tetrahedral coordination environment, all linked by bridging cyanide ligands. Hence, the correct option is (a).