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Colors and Magnetism

Colors and Magnetism

Color in Coordination Complexes
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human eye.

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.

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...

EDTA: Chemistry and Properties

EDTA: Chemistry and Properties

Polydentate ligands are most widely used in complexometric titrations because they form more stable complexes with the metal ions than mono- or bidentate ligands due to the chelate effect. Examples of polydentate ligands are ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), crown ethers, and cryptands. The most important feature of optimal polydentate ligands is the ability to form 1:1 complexes in a single-step process. Amino carboxylic acid derivatives are frequently used as complexing agents. EDTA is...

Complexometric Titration: Overview

Complexometric Titration: Overview

Complexometric titration involves the formation of a complex by reacting a metal ion with one or more ligands. A visual indicator often detects the end point of a complexometric titration. It is added to the metal solution before the titration, forming a stable metal–indicator complex and imparting color to the solution. As the titration approaches the equivalence point, the excess of the added ligand displaces the indicator from the metal–indicator complex, releasing the free indicator. The...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Techniques for Determining the Structure and Mechanisms of Metal Ion Recognition and Redox Activity of Metal Binding Oligopeptides

Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Techniques for Determining the Structure and Mechanisms of Metal Ion Recognition and Redox Activity of Metal Binding Oligopeptides

Published on: September 7, 2019

Aqua-(6,6'-oxydipicolinato-κO,N,N',O')copper(II).

Jingya Sun¹, Xiangdi Tong

¹College of Marine Sciences, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, People's Republic of China.

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online

|May 18, 2011

Summary

This study details a novel copper(II) complex with a 6,6'-oxydipicolinate ligand and a water molecule. The crystal structure reveals a distorted square-pyramidal geometry stabilized by hydrogen bonds and π-interactions.

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Published on: April 5, 2022

Area of Science:

Coordination Chemistry
Crystallography
Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

Copper(II) complexes are vital in catalysis and materials science.
6,6 -oxydipicolinate is a versatile ligand for metal coordination.

Purpose of the Study:

To synthesize and characterize a new copper(II) complex.
To investigate the coordination environment and crystal structure of the complex.

Main Methods:

Single crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the molecular and crystal structure.
Analysis of bond lengths, angles, and intermolecular interactions.

Main Results:

The copper(II) ion exhibits a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry.
The ligand forms a stable complex with the copper(II) ion.
Intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π-interactions form a 2D network in the crystal structure.

Conclusions:

The synthesized copper(II) complex possesses a unique coordination environment.
The crystal packing is stabilized by a combination of hydrogen bonding and π-interactions.
This structural insight contributes to understanding metal-ligand interactions and supramolecular assembly.