Analyze coordination complexes, predict geometries, and classify ligands
Coordination Number (CN): Number of donor atoms bonded to the central metal
Denticity: Number of donor atoms per ligand (1=monodentate, 2=bidentate, etc.)
Chelate Effect: Multidentate ligands form more stable complexes than monodentate
Common Geometries: Linear (CN=2), Tetrahedral/Square planar (CN=4), Octahedral (CN=6)
Coordination chemistry studies metal complexes where a central metal atom or ion is surrounded by molecules or ions called ligands. The coordination number (CN) is the total number of donor atoms bonded to the central metal, which determines the complex's geometry and properties.
These complexes are fundamental to biological systems (hemoglobin, chlorophyll), industrial catalysis, materials science, and medicinal chemistry. Understanding coordination numbers and geometries is essential for predicting reactivity and designing new complexes.