Question

1. what are the coefficients that would correctly balance this reaction?

__ni + $\ce{c_{4}h_{6}n_{2}o_{2}}$ → __$\ce{ni(c_{4}h_{6}n_{2}o_{2})_{2}}$
options: 2,2,2; 1,2,1; 2,2,1; 2,1,1

Explanation:

Step1: Balance Ni atoms

Reactants: 1 Ni; Products: 1 Ni. Coefficient for Ni = 1.

Step2: Balance ligand ($\text{C}_4\text{H}_8\text{N}_2\text{O}_2$) units

Products: 2 ligand units. Coefficient for $\text{C}_4\text{H}_8\text{N}_2\text{O}_2$ = 2.

Step3: Verify all atoms

Reactants: 1 Ni, $2\times4=8$ C, $2\times8=16$ H, $2\times2=4$ N, $2\times2=4$ O.
Products: 1 Ni, $2\times4=8$ C, $2\times8=16$ H, $2\times2=4$ N, $2\times2=4$ O. All atoms balanced. Coefficient for $\text{Ni(C}_4\text{H}_8\text{N}_2\text{O}_2\text{)}_2$ = 1.

Answer:

B. 1, 2, 1