What Is The Oxidation State Of Ni In Ni(CN)3?

In Ni(CN)3, the overall charge of the molecule is -3 since each CN ligand carries a -1 charge. Therefore, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the molecule must be equal to -3.

Let x be the oxidation state of Ni in Ni(CN)3. The oxidation state of C in CN is -1, and there are three CN ligands, so the total oxidation state contributed by the CN ligands is -3. Setting up the equation for the sum of the oxidation states, we get:

x + (-3) = -3

Simplifying, we get:

x = 0

Therefore, the oxidation state of Ni in Ni(CN)3 is 0.