What is the coordination number of the central metal ion in [Co(en)₂(Cl)₂]Cl, where 'en' represents ethylenediamine?
Correct: C
Ethylenediamine (en) is a bidentate ligand, meaning it binds to the central metal ion through two donor atoms. In this complex, there are two ethylenediamine ligands, each contributing two donor atoms, and two chloride ligands, each contributing one donor atom. Therefore, the coordination number is (2 * 2) + (2 * 1) = 6.