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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...

Formation of Complex Ions

Formation of Complex Ions

A type of Lewis acid-base chemistry involves the formation of a complex ion (or a coordination complex) comprising a central atom, typically a transition metal cation, surrounded by ions or molecules called ligands. These ligands can be neutral molecules like H2O or NH3, or ions such as CN− or OH−. Often, the ligands act as Lewis bases, donating a pair of electrons to the central atom. These types of Lewis acid-base reactions are examples of a broad subdiscipline called coordination...

Catalysis

Catalysis

The presence of a catalyst affects the rate of a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance that can increase the reaction rate without being consumed during the process. A basic comprehension of a catalysts’ role during chemical reactions can be understood from the concept of reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams.

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...

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.

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Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Palladium N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Synthesis from Benzimidazolium Salts and Catalytic Activity in Carbon-carbon Bond-forming Reactions

Palladium N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Synthesis from Benzimidazolium Salts and Catalytic Activity in Carbon-carbon Bond-forming Reactions

Published on: July 30, 2017

Nickel Hydride Complexes.

Nathan A Eberhardt¹, Hairong Guan¹

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati , P.O. Box 210172, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0172, United States.

Chemical Reviews

|July 21, 2016

Summary

Nickel hydride complexes are key intermediates in nickel catalysis and models for enzymes. This review covers their synthesis, characterization, and reactions, highlighting catalytic applications.

Area of Science:

Inorganic Chemistry
Organometallic Chemistry
Biochemistry

Background:

Nickel hydride complexes are vital intermediates in various nickel-catalyzed reactions.
These complexes serve as synthetic models for nickel-containing enzymes, notably [NiFe]-hydrogenase.
Research into nickel hydride complexes has significantly expanded in recent years.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a comprehensive review of nickel hydride complexes.
To discuss the significance and historical context of these compounds.
To cover synthesis, characterization, and reactivity, including catalytic applications.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing studies on nickel hydride complexes.
Discussion of synthetic methodologies for preparing nickel hydride complexes.

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Overview of spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques for characterization.

Main Results:

Detailed examination of stoichiometric reactions involving nickel hydride complexes.
Exploration of the development of these reactions into catalytic processes.
Synthesis and characterization methods are presented.

Conclusions:

Nickel hydride complexes are versatile compounds with broad applications in catalysis and bioinorganic chemistry.
Understanding their synthesis and reactivity is crucial for advancing nickel-catalyzed transformations.
This review consolidates current knowledge and highlights future directions.