Concept:For a positively charged sol, the coagulating power of an ion depends on the magnitude of its negative charge.
A higher negative charge on the flocculating ion gives a higher coagulation power.
Explanation:Positively charged sol particles attract negatively charged ions to neutralise their charge and cause precipitation.
This is explained by the Hardy-Schulze rule, which states that the greater the valency of the oppositely charged ion, the greater is its coagulating power.
For a positive sol, we compare the negative charges on the given anions.
Cl− has charge
−1.
SO42− has charge
−2.
PO43− has charge
−3.
[Fe(CN)6]4− has charge
−4.
Since
[Fe(CN)6]4− carries the highest negative charge, it has the maximum coagulating power for a positively charged sol.
Answer:D.
[Fe(CN)6]4−