Coordination Isomerism
Occurs in compounds containing both cationic and anionic complex ions, involving an interchange of ligands between the two complex entities.
What is Coordination Isomerism?
A type of structural isomerism in coordination compounds where the compound consists of both a complex cation and a complex anion, and isomers differ in the distribution of ligands between these two complex ions.
Key points
- Define coordination isomerism.
- Identify compounds that can exhibit coordination isomerism.
- Differentiate coordination isomers from other types of isomers.
- Predict possible coordination isomers for a given coordination compound.
Common exam trap
Confusing coordination isomerism with other types of isomerism like linkage or ionization isomerism.
Definitions
- Term
Coordination Isomerism
- Meaning
A type of structural isomerism in coordination compounds where the compound consists of both a complex cation and a complex anion, and isomers differ in the distribution of ligands between these two complex ions.
- Term
Complex Cation
- Meaning
A positively charged coordination entity consisting of a central metal atom or ion bonded to one or more ligands.
- Term
Complex Anion
- Meaning
A negatively charged coordination entity consisting of a central metal atom or ion bonded to one or more ligands.
Learning objectives
Define coordination isomerism.
Identify compounds that can exhibit coordination isomerism.
Differentiate coordination isomers from other types of isomers.
Predict possible coordination isomers for a given coordination compound.
Prerequisites
Basic concepts of coordination compounds.
Understanding of nomenclature of coordination compounds.
Knowledge of complex ions (cationic and anionic).
Concept of ligands and central metal ion.
Common mistakes
Confusing coordination isomerism with other types of isomerism like linkage or ionization isomerism.
Assuming coordination isomerism can occur in simple salts or compounds with only one complex ion.
Not recognizing that both cation and anion must be complex ions.
Incorrectly identifying the ligands being exchanged.
Keywords
Coordination Isomerism
Structural Isomerism
Coordination Compounds
Complex Cation
Complex Anion
Ligand Exchange
Isomers
Practice preview
The coordination compounds [Co(NH₃)₆][Cr(CN)₆] and [Cr(NH₃)₆][Co(CN)₆] are examples of which type of isomerism?…
easy
Coordination isomerism is observed in compounds where:…
easy
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding coordination isomerism?…
hard