coordination compound

Introduction
Coordination compounds in nature
Coordination compounds in industry
History of coordination compounds
Characteristics of coordination compounds
- Coordination number
- Ligands and chelates
  - Mononuclear, monodentate
  - Polydentate
  - Polynuclear
- Nomenclature
Structure and bonding of coordination compounds
- Geometry
- Isomerism
  - Cis-trans isomerism
  - Enantiomers and diastereomers
  - Ionization isomerism
  - Linkage isomerism
  - Coordination isomerism
  - Ligand isomerism
- Bonding theories
  - Valence bond theory
  - Crystal field theory
  - Ligand field and molecular orbital theories
Principal types of complexes
- Aqua complexes
- Halo complexes
- Carbonyl complexes
- Nitrosyl complexes
- Cyano and isocyano complexes
- Organometallic complexes
- Isopoly and heteropoly anions
Important types of reactions of coordination compounds
- Acid-base
- Substitution
- Lability and inertness
- Isomerization
- Oxidation-reduction
Synthesis of coordination compounds

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images

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.

At a Glance

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coordination compound summary

coordination compound: Media

chemistry

Images

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.

The general structure of a coordination compound

Coordination compounds contain a central metal atom surrounded by nonmetal atoms...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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.

The metals of organometallic chemistry

Organometallic coordination compounds, which include transition metal compounds,...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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.

The structure of hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a protein made up of four polypeptide chains (α₁, α₂,...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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.

Molecular orbitals in carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a neutral ligand, meaning it does not carry an ionic charge. The...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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.

Tetracarbonylnickel

Empty π orbitals in carbon monoxide molecules accept d orbital electrons...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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