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Valence Bond Theory

Valence Bond Theory

Coordination compounds and complexes exhibit different colors, geometries, and magnetic behavior, depending on the metal atom/ion and ligands from which they are composed. In an attempt to explain the bonding and structure of coordination complexes, Linus Pauling proposed the valence bond theory, or VBT, using the concepts of hybridization and the overlapping of the atomic orbitals. According to VBT, the central metal atom or ion (Lewis acid) hybridizes to provide empty orbitals of suitable...

Formation of Complex Ions

Formation of Complex Ions

A type of Lewis acid-base chemistry involves the formation of a complex ion (or a coordination complex) comprising a central atom, typically a transition metal cation, surrounded by ions or molecules called ligands. These ligands can be neutral molecules like H2O or NH3, or ions such as CN− or OH−. Often, the ligands act as Lewis bases, donating a pair of electrons to the central atom. These types of Lewis acid-base reactions are examples of a broad subdiscipline called coordination...

Complexation Equilibria: Factors Influencing Stability of Complexes

Complexation Equilibria: Factors Influencing Stability of Complexes

In complexation reactions, metal cations are the electron pair acceptors, and the ligands are the electron pair donors. The stability of the metal complexes depends primarily on the complexing ability of the central metal ion and the nature of the ligands. Generally, the complexing ability of the metal ion depends on the size and charge of the ion. As the metal ion size increases, the stability of the metal complexes decreases, provided that the valency of the metal ion and the ligands remain...

Metal-Ligand Bonds

Metal-Ligand Bonds

The hemoglobin in the blood, the chlorophyll in green plants, vitamin B-12, and the catalyst used in the manufacture of polyethylene all contain coordination compounds. Ions of the metals, especially the transition metals, are likely to form complexes.
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...

Properties of Transition Metals

Properties of Transition Metals

Transition metals are defined as those elements that have partially filled d orbitals. As shown in Figure 1, the d-block elements in groups 3–12 are transition elements. The f-block elements, also called inner transition metals (the lanthanides and actinides), also meet this criterion because the d orbital is partially occupied before the f orbitals.

Coordination Number and Geometry

Coordination Number and Geometry

For transition metal complexes, the coordination number determines the geometry around the central metal ion. Table 1 compares coordination numbers to molecular geometry. The most common structures of the complexes in coordination compounds are octahedral, tetrahedral, and square planar.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Synthesis of a Water-soluble Metal–Organic Complex Array

Synthesis of a Water-soluble Metal–Organic Complex Array

Published on: October 8, 2016

Solid-phase synthesis of transition-metal complexes.

Katja Heinze¹, Manuela Beckmann, Klaus Hempel

¹Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 270, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany). katja.heinze@urz.uni-heidelberg.de

Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)

|July 10, 2008

Summary

Researchers are developing selective methods for building linear transition-metal complexes using solid-phase synthesis. Key protocols involve forming coordinative or covalent bonds between metal centers and building blocks like ferrocene or ruthenium complexes.

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Combining Solid-state and Solution-based Techniques: Synthesis and Reactivity of Chalcogenidoplumbates(II or IV)

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The Synthesis of [Sn10(Si(SiMe3)3)4]2- Using a Metastable Sn(I) Halide Solution Synthesized via a Co-condensation Technique

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Area of Science:

Coordination Chemistry
Materials Science
Organic Synthesis

Background:

Selective synthesis of oligonuclear transition-metal complexes is crucial for developing new functional materials.
Solid-phase synthesis offers advantages in controlling complex structures and facilitating purification.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of recent advancements in the selective construction of linear, oligonuclear transition-metal complexes.
To highlight the key methodologies and suitable building blocks employed in these synthetic strategies.

Main Methods:

Focuses on solid-phase synthesis procedures for constructing transition-metal complexes.
Discusses two primary protocols: coordinative bond formation and covalent bond formation.
Identifies specific building blocks such as ferrocene, bis(terpyridine)-ruthenium(II), and metal porphyrins.

Main Results:

Demonstrates the feasibility of selective linear oligonuclear transition-metal complex synthesis via solid-phase methods.
Highlights the utility of both coordinative and covalent bond-forming strategies.
Showcases the application of diverse metal-containing building blocks.

Conclusions:

Solid-phase synthesis provides effective routes for the controlled assembly of linear transition-metal complexes.
The choice of building blocks and bonding strategy is critical for successful synthesis.
Further development in this area promises novel applications in catalysis and materials science.