Stability of Metal Complexes

Abstract

A coordination complex of the type [MLx ]n+ is formed when each neutral ligand (L) donates a lone pair of electrons to a metal centre (Mn+). Here, x is the coordination number and n+ is the oxidation number of M. We know that the spectral and magnetic properties of complexes depend on the oxidation number, coordination number, and the geometry of the complex. For example, depending on the conditions (temperature and concentration), the Co(II) centre is known to form both [Co(H2 O)4 ]2+ and [Co(H2 O)6 ]2+ with tetrahedral and octahedral geometries, respectively.