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Bonding in Metals

Bonding in Metals

Metallic bonds are formed between two metal atoms. A simplified model to describe metallic bonding has been developed by Paul Drüde called the “Electron Sea Model”.

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.

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...

Ionic Bonding and Electron Transfer

Ionic Bonding and Electron Transfer

Ions are atoms or molecules bearing an electrical charge. A cation (a positive ion) forms when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons from its valence shell, and an anion (a negative ion) forms when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons in its valence shell. Compounds composed of ions are called ionic compounds (or salts), and their constituent ions are held together by ionic bonds: electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged cations and anions.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers

Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers

Published on: May 12, 2023

Configuring bonds between first-row transition metals.

Reed J Eisenhart¹, Laura J Clouston¹, Connie C Lu¹

¹Department of Chemistry and Center for Metals in Biocatalysis, University Of Minnesota , 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.

Accounts of Chemical Research

|October 23, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers explored metal-metal bonds in first-row transition metals, creating 38 bimetallic complexes. They found bond properties depend on electron count and orbital energies, enabling tailored reactivity for applications like small-molecule reduction.

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Synthesis of a Thiol Building Block for the Crystallization of a Semiconducting Gyroidal Metal-sulfur Framework

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Accessing Valuable Ligand Supports for Transition Metals: A Modified, Intermediate Scale Preparation of 1,2,3,4,5-Pentamethylcyclopentadiene

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Synthesis of a Thiol Building Block for the Crystallization of a Semiconducting Gyroidal Metal-sulfur Framework

Synthesis of a Thiol Building Block for the Crystallization of a Semiconducting Gyroidal Metal-sulfur Framework

Published on: April 9, 2018

Area of Science:

Coordination Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Materials Science

Background:

Pioneered by Alfred Werner, coordination chemistry traditionally focuses on single metal centers.
The concept of multiple metals bonded covalently, especially in heterometallic complexes, offers expanded chemical space.
Previous work established triple bonds in Fe-Cr and Fe-V systems using first-row transition metals.

Purpose of the Study:

To synthesize and characterize diverse metal-metal bonds between first-row transition metals (Ti-Cu).
To investigate the factors governing metal-metal bond nature and properties.
To explore potential applications in catalysis and materials science.

Main Methods:

Utilized double-decker ligands as binucleating platforms for modular synthesis.
Synthesized 38 bimetallic complexes with 18 unique metal-metal pairings.
Employed structural and theoretical analyses to understand bonding characteristics.

Main Results:

Developed a library of 38 bimetallic complexes, including 21 isostructural pairs for systematic study.
Demonstrated that d-electron count and relative d-orbital energies dictate metal-metal bond variability.
Observed unique properties like high spin states in Fe-Co and synergistic effects in redox and magnetic behavior.

Conclusions:

Metal-metal bonding in first-row transition metals is highly tunable.
These complexes exhibit novel electronic and magnetic properties with potential for catalysis.
Selective metal-ion exchange offers a viable synthetic pathway for new metal-metal species.