coordination compound: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	coordinate compound • complex compound • coordination complex

Photos

Structural diagram of the vitamin B12 coenzyme molecule, highlighting its organometallic core with five nitrogen-cobalt bonds and one cobalt-carbon bond at the center, surrounded by complex organic groups.

A periodic table diagram highlights the s, p, d, and f blocks, with most elements shaded to indicate the metals relevant to organometallic chemistry. Group numbers are labeled at the top.

Diagram of the hemoglobin tetramer showing two alpha and two beta subunits, each in a different color, with four heme groups labeled, each containing a central iron atom for oxygen binding.

Diagram showing the bonding of a carbon monoxide (CO) ligand to a metal atom in a coordination compound. Image A illustrates sigma bond formation with orbital overlap, while image B shows pi backbonding between metal and CO, with labeled orbitals indicating electron flow.

A chemical diagram of tetracarbonylnickel, Ni(CO)4, shows a central nickel atom bonded to four carbonyl groups in a tetrahedral arrangement, alongside a geometric representation of the tetrahedral structure.

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Topics

coordination geometry crystal field theory aqua complex metal nitrosyl mononuclear complex metal carbonyl ligand field theory coordination number chelate effective atomic number organic compound inorganic compound polymer ionic compound hydrate nonstoichiometric compound anhydride acid homologous series base

Key People

Alfred Werner

Alfred Werner

Swiss chemist

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Henry Taube

American chemist