TetrahydroxocadmiateII

Tetrahydroxocadmiate(II) is a coordination complex of cadmium with four hydroxide ligands. It is represented by the chemical formula [Cd(OH)4]^2-. This complex is a tetrahedral molecule, with the cadmium atom at the center and four hydroxide groups bonded to it. The hydroxide groups are monodentate, meaning they each form a single bond with the cadmium atom.

Tetrahydroxocadmiate(II) is formed when cadmium(II) ions react with hydroxide ions in a basic solution. The reaction can be represented by the following equation:

Cd^2+ + 4OH- → [Cd(OH)4]^2-

This complex is stable in highly basic solutions, but it can decompose in acidic conditions, releasing cadmium(II) ions and hydroxide ions.

The tetrahydroxocadmiate(II) ion is diamagnetic, meaning it does not have any unpaired electrons. This is due to the fact that the hydroxide ligands are strong field ligands, causing the 4d and 5s electrons of cadmium to pair up.

This complex is not commonly encountered in everyday life, but it is of interest to chemists studying the behavior of cadmium and its compounds. It is also relevant in environmental chemistry, as cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the environment and in living organisms.