Coordination Compounds and Crystal Field Theory
A coordination compound contains a central metal ion bonded to ligands, with geometry, isomerism and colour explained by crystal field theory.
What is Coordination Compounds and Crystal Field Theory?
A coordination compound contains a central metal ion bonded to ligands, with geometry, isomerism and colour explained by crystal field theory.
Key formula / rule: Coordination number is the count of donor atoms attached to the metal.
Key points
- Identify the oxidation state and coordination number in a complex.
- Apply crystal field theory to predict spin state and colour.
Common exam trap
Counting ligand molecules rather than donor atoms for coordination number.
Definitions
- Term
Coordination Compounds and Crystal Field Theory
- Meaning
A coordination compound contains a central metal ion bonded to ligands, with geometry, isomerism and colour explained by crystal field theory.
- Term
Coordination Compounds and Crystal Field Theory — explanation
- Meaning
Ligands split the d orbitals, and the size of the splitting relative to the pairing energy decides high-spin versus low-spin behaviour. Werner's theory gives the naming and structural framework.
Learning objectives
Identify the oxidation state and coordination number in a complex.
Apply crystal field theory to predict spin state and colour.
Formulae
- Key point
Coordination number is the count of donor atoms attached to the metal.
- Key point
Strong field ligands produce low-spin complexes.
- Key point
Geometrical and optical isomerism arise from ligand arrangement.
Prerequisites
CHE-U3-DF-T1-S1-C1
Common mistakes
Counting ligand molecules rather than donor atoms for coordination number.
Assuming all octahedral complexes are low spin.
Keywords
Coordination
Compounds
Crystal
Field
Practice preview
What is the correct IUPAC name for [Ni(CO)4]?…
easy
What is the coordination number of the central metal ion in [Co(en)2Cl2]Cl? (en = ethylenediamine)…
easy
What is the oxidation state of chromium in the complex [Cr(H2O)4Cl2]Cl?…
medium