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Phosphodiester Linkages

Phosphodiester Linkages

Overview
Phosphodiester bond forms when a phosphoric acid molecule (H3PO4) links with two hydroxyl groups (–OH) of two other molecules, forming two ester bonds. Two water molecules are released in this process. The phosphodiester bond is commonly found in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and plays a critical role in their structure and function.
Phosphodiester Bonds Link Nucleotides Together
DNA and RNA are polynucleotides or long chains of nucleotides that are linked together. A nucleotide is...

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...

Structural Isomerism

Structural Isomerism

Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...

Coordination Compounds and Nomenclature

Coordination Compounds and Nomenclature

In most main group element compounds, the valence electrons of the isolated atoms combine to form chemical bonds that satisfy the octet rule. For instance, the four valence electrons of carbon overlap with electrons from four hydrogen atoms to form CH4. The one valence electron leaves sodium and adds to the seven valence electrons of chlorine to form the ionic formula unit NaCl (Figure 1a). Transition metals do not normally bond in this fashion. They primarily form coordinate covalent bonds, a...

Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals II

Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals II

sp3d and sp3d 2 Hybridization

Stereoisomerism

Stereoisomerism

Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula.
Transition metal complexes often exist as geometric isomers, in which the same atoms are connected through the same types of bonds but with differences in their orientation in space. Coordination complexes with two different ligands in the cis and trans positions from a ligand of interest form isomers. For example, the octahedral [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+ ion has two isomers (Figure 1) In the cis...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly

Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly

Published on: February 6, 2020

Phosphines as building blocks in coordination-based self-assembly.

Stuart L James¹

¹Centre for the Theory and Application of Catalysis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, UK BT9 5AG. s.james@qub.ac.uk

Chemical Society Reviews

|July 10, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Phosphines, though less studied than N- and O-ligands, exhibit unique coordination self-assembly, forming diverse structures like rings and cages. Their soft donor character and bulky shapes drive novel supramolecular chemistry and catalysis.

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Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of Phosphorus(I)

Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of Phosphorus(I)

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Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of Phosphorus(I)

Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of Phosphorus(I)

Published on: November 22, 2016

Area of Science:

Coordination Chemistry
Supramolecular Chemistry
Materials Science

Background:

Phosphines are less explored than N- and O-donor ligands in coordination self-assembly.
Their unique properties lead to unusual chemical behaviors in self-assembly processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the historical context and current state of phosphine-based coordination self-assembly.
To highlight the unique chemical aspects and future opportunities in this field.

Main Methods:

Critical review of existing literature on phosphine coordination chemistry.
Analysis of phosphine properties influencing self-assembly (donor character, geometry, shape).
Discussion of (31)P NMR spectroscopy applications.

Main Results:

Phosphines enable selective formation of large rings, coordination cages, and polymers.
Aggregation behavior is influenced by solvents and anions.
Key properties include soft donor character, pyramidal geometry, and bulky shapes.

Conclusions:

Phosphine coordination chemistry offers unique pathways for supramolecular assembly.
Future research can explore novel applications in catalysis and materials.
Understanding phosphine properties is crucial for designing advanced coordination structures.