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linkage isomerism
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linkage isomerism

chemistry
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Quick Summary

Linkage isomerism occurs in coordination compounds when a ligand can attach to the central atom through different atoms. This results in compounds with the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements and properties.

For example, the nitrite ion (NO2-) can bond to a central atom either through nitrogen (nitro form, NO2-) or through oxygen (nitrito form, ONO-). Similarly, the isothiocyanate ion (NCS-) can bond through nitrogen or sulfur, creating distinct linkage isomers. These isomers, like [Co(NO2)(NH3)5]2+ and [Co(ONO)(NH3)5]2+, highlight how the same atoms can connect to a central metal in different ways, leading to different compounds.1

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10 Britannica Sources
  1. coordination compound - Linkage isomerism
  2. coordination compound - Coordination isomerism
  3. coordination compound - Mononuclear , monodentate
  4. coordination compound - Polynuclear
  5. coordination compound - Cis-trans isomerism
  6. isomerism
  7. structural isomer
  8. isomerization
  9. isomerism - Cis and trans forms
  10. coordination compound - Enantiomers and diastereomers

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