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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...

Valence Bond Theory

Valence Bond Theory

Overview of Valence Bond Theory

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...

Complexometric Titration: Ligands

Complexometric Titration: Ligands

Different monodentate and polydentate ligands are used as complexing agents in complexometric titration reactions. The formation of complexes by mono- and bidentate ligands involves two or more intermediate steps, limiting their use as complexing agents. In comparison, polydentate ligands can form complexes with metal ions in a single-step process, facilitating sharper end points. This means polydentate ligands, such as amino carboxylic acid derivatives, are most commonly employed in...

Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect

Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect

In complexation reactions, metal atoms or cations interact with ligands to form donor-acceptor adducts called metal complexes. Ligands that bind through one donor site are monodentate, ligands with two donor sites are bidentate, and those with more than two donor sites are polydentate ligands. For example, ethylene diamine is a bidentate ligand that binds through two nitrogen donor atoms, forming a five-membered ring. EDTA is a polydentate ligand that binds through four oxygen and two nitrogen...

Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes

Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes

Crystal Field Theory
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Application of Elemental Lanthanides in the Selective C-F Activation of Trifluoromethylated Benzofulvenes Providing Access to Various Difluoroalkenes

Application of Elemental Lanthanides in the Selective C-F Activation of Trifluoromethylated Benzofulvenes Providing Access to Various Difluoroalkenes

Published on: July 28, 2018

Recent developments in actinide-ligand multiple bonding.

Trevor W Hayton¹

¹Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA. hayton@chem.ucsb.edu

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)

|February 12, 2013

Summary

Recent advances in actinide chemistry include the isolation of terminal oxo, nitrido, and carbene complexes. These findings highlight new catalytic possibilities and the role of 5f orbitals in bonding.

Area of Science:

Inorganic Chemistry
Organometallic Chemistry
Actinide Chemistry

Background:

Significant progress in synthesizing and characterizing actinide complexes with multiple bonds.
Focus on terminal oxo, nitrido, and carbene-containing complexes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the synthesis, structure, and reactivity of actinide complexes with metal-ligand multiple bonds.
To cover developments from 2010 to the present.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent synthetic and characterization studies.
Analysis of structural and reactivity data for actinide complexes.

Main Results:

Isolation of the first complex with a nitride-substituted uranyl ion, [NUO](+).

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Preparation, Purification, and Characterization of Lanthanide Complexes for Use as Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Synthesis of Triazole and Tetrazole-Functionalized Zr-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks Through Post-Synthetic Ligand Exchange

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Preparation, Purification, and Characterization of Lanthanide Complexes for Use as Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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First report of an isolable terminal uranium nitride.

Progress in synthesizing actinide carbenes and thorium complexes with multiple bonds.

Conclusions:

Actinide complexes with multiple bonds show potential for novel catalysis.
These complexes offer insights into the engagement of 5f orbitals in metal-ligand bonding.