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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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Preparation of SNS CobaltII Pincer Model Complexes of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase

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Published on: March 19, 2020

NHC Core Pincer Ligands Exhibiting Two Anionic Coordinating Extremities.

Rachid Taakili¹, Yves Canac¹

¹LCC-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

|May 14, 2020

Summary

This review covers anionic NHCcore pincer ligands (LX2 type) with two arms. It details their synthesis, coordination chemistry, and applications, emphasizing the donor ends' role.

Keywords:

NHC amide carbon ligand negative charge oxide phosphonium ylide pincer

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Area of Science:

Organometallic Chemistry
Coordination Chemistry
Ligand Design

Background:

Pincer ligands are crucial in catalysis and coordination chemistry.
NHCcore pincer ligands offer unique electronic and steric properties.
Anionic pincer ligands provide versatile coordination modes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the chemistry of NHCcore pincer ligands of LX2 type.
To highlight the diverse nature of the anionic coordinating center.
To discuss synthetic strategies, coordination behavior, and applications.

Main Methods:

Literature review of synthetic methods.
Analysis of coordination properties through selected examples.
Discussion of applications in various chemical transformations.

Main Results:

NHCcore pincer ligands can feature anionic centers derived from carbon (ylides) or heteroatoms (amides, oxides, thio/selenooxides).
Synthetic routes provide access to a variety of these tridentate ligands.
The nature of the donor ends significantly influences the ligand's chemical behavior and applications.

Conclusions:

Anionic NHCcore pincer ligands are a versatile class of ligands.
Their tunable donor functionalities enable diverse coordination chemistry.
These ligands show significant potential in catalysis and materials science.