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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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 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

The Lanthanide Contraction beyond Coordination Chemistry.

Geoffroy Ferru¹, Benjamin Reinhart², Mrinal K Bera¹

¹Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, 60439, USA.

Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)

|April 10, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The lanthanide contraction influences molecular self-assembly in liquids, not just coordination chemistry. This finding offers novel rare-earth separation strategies by targeting weak interactions.

Keywords:

atomistic simulation coordination lanthanide contraction mesoscale interactions small-angle X-ray scattering

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

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

Published on: July 21, 2011

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Last Updated: Mar 22, 2026

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

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Published on: July 28, 2018

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

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

Published on: July 21, 2011

Area of Science:

Coordination Chemistry
Supramolecular Chemistry
Materials Science

Background:

The lanthanide contraction is traditionally explained via coordination chemistry.
Its impact on non-coordination interactions and self-assembly is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the structural effects of lanthanide contraction on molecular self-assembly in amphiphilic liquids.
To explore new rare-earth separation strategies beyond traditional coordination methods.

Main Methods:

Structural studies of lanthanide ions in amphiphilic liquid environments.
Analysis of weak interactions governing mesoscale assembly.
Correlation of ion transport properties with intermolecular forces.

Main Results:

Lanthanide contraction significantly perturbs weak interactions in molecular aggregates.
These perturbations influence mesoscale assembly and emergent properties.
Lanthanide ion transport properties correlate with these weak interactions.

Conclusions:

The study challenges the traditional view of lanthanide contraction, extending its influence to supramolecular phenomena.
Findings suggest novel rare-earth separation techniques leveraging non-coordination forces.
This work opens new avenues for manipulating self-assembly using lanthanide elements.