INORG421 TUT 2

1 Using Ru as an example, write the sequence of all the reactions involved in the
preparation of RuCl3.3H2O.
2 Write an equation for the preparation of the Wilkinson’s catalyst and state two of
its applications.
3 With the aid of an equation show how the complex, [Rh(H2O)6]3+, can be
prepared.
4 Draw a flow diagram to show how palladium is isolated as H2Pd2Cl4 from platinum
metal concentrates, and converted to the pure metal.
5 Briefly describe the characteristics of the lanthanides with respect to:
a) Oxidation states
b) Electronic structure
c) Ligand field splitting
d) Shape of f- orbitals
e) Magnetic properties
6 Write brief notes on lanthanide contraction as applied to lanthanide series.
7 Give brief description of the following methods for lanthanides separation:
a) Complex formation
b) Solvent extraction
c) Ion exchange

8 The extraction/separation of uranium is achieved by using either an acid leaching

method or an alkaline leaching method.
a) State the most common oxidation states of uranium.
b) Explain why the acid leaching method is preferred over the alkaline method
c) Give the name and formula of TWO oxidizing agents most commonly used in the
extraction of uranium.
9 Explain why Fe3+ ion must be present.
10 Give reason why the alkaline leaching is usually carried out with Na 2CO3
11 Write equations to show typical dissolution reactions occurring in the alkaline
leaching method.
12 Name two important properties that are influenced by solid defects.
13 Give brief explanation of the following with respect to solid state chemistry.
a) Schottky defect.
b) Frenkel defect
c) point defects
d) Extended defects
e) Extrinsic point defects

14 Determine, by calculation, the type of defect present in NiO, given the following
information:
a) NiO has a rock salt structure.
b) The ratio of Ni to O is 1:1.
c) The length of one side is 5.25 angstroms.
d) The density from volume and mass measurements is 3.15 g cm -3.

15. Write equations to show how Rh was extracted:

a) Rhodium (III) sulphate solution was mixed aqueous sodium hydroxide, followed
the dissolution of the precipitate formed with hydrochloric acid.
b) Sodium nitrite was added to the resulting solution in 5.1.1, followed by the addition
of ammonium chloride.
c) The precipitate formed in 5.1.2 was digested in hydrochloric acid, followed by
evaporation.
d) After evaporation, the product formed in 5.1.3 was ignited with hydrogen gas.
16. Explain briefly how the oxidation states vary in the platinum group metals.
17 Briefly explain how [RuO4]2- and [OsO2(OH)4]2- are formed
18 Rhodium metal when heated with sodium chloride in the presence of chlorine gas
gives compound A. Refluxing A in aqueous solution, a complex B is formed which can be
converted back to A by treating with HCl. However, treatment of B with NaOH results into
a hydrated oxide C. Treatment of C with limited HCl results in D and excess HCl results
in A. Identify compounds A to D by their names and formulas.
19 Using equations where necessary, explain the following:
a) Dissolving an unknown metal in aqua regia followed by treatment with potassium
chloride and evaporation results in a red solid
b) Treatment of the final product from (a) with stoichiometric amount of oxalic acid
c) Treatment of the product from (b) with ammonia.
d) Heating platinum in the presence of chlorine gas results in an olive
green solid
e) Refluxing rhodium chloride trihydrate with triphenylphosphine in ethanol.

20. Fill in the missing information for the separation of Osmium metal from the
insoluble residue