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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...

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.

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...

Extraction: Advanced Methods

Extraction: Advanced Methods

Metal ions can be separated from one another by complexation with organic ligands–the chelating agent– to form uncharged chelates. Here, the chelating agent must contain hydrophobic groups and behave as a weak acid, losing a proton to bind with the metal. Since most organic ligands used in this process are insoluble or undergo oxidation in the aqueous phase, the chelating agent is initially added to the organic phase and extracted into the aqueous phase. The metal-ligand complex is...

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: Overview

Complexation Equilibria: Overview

Complexation reactions take place when dative or coordinate covalent bonds form between metal ions and ligands. The compounds formed in these reactions are called coordination compounds. The number of bonds formed between the metal ion and the ligands is called its coordination number. Generally, most metal ions in an aqueous solution are solvated by water molecules and thus exist as aqua complexes.
The equilibrium constant of the complexation reaction is represented as the formation constant...

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Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Techniques for Determining the Structure and Mechanisms of Metal Ion Recognition and Redox Activity of Metal Binding Oligopeptides

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Published on: September 7, 2019

Comproportionation and disproportionation in nickel and copper complexes.

Craig S Day¹, Ruben Martin^2,3

¹The Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark. cday@inano.au.dk.

Chemical Society Reviews

|September 1, 2023

Summary

Disproportionation and comproportionation reactions are key electron transfer events in organometallic chemistry. Understanding these reactions involving first-row metals is crucial for catalysis and metal complex stability.

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Area of Science:

Organometallic Chemistry
Catalysis
Electron Transfer Reactions

Background:

Disproportionation and comproportionation are increasingly vital electron transfer processes.
Renewed interest stems from understanding first-row metals' ability to access multiple oxidation states.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the relevance and impact of disproportionation and comproportionation in electron transfer.
To highlight their influence on nickel- and copper-catalyzed reactions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of disproportionation and comproportionation reactions.
Analysis of their role in organometallic chemistry and catalysis.

Main Results:

These reactions are crucial for metal complexes to shuttle between oxidation states.
They significantly impact the speciation, catalytic turnover, and stability of metal complexes.

Conclusions:

Disproportionation and comproportionation are fundamental to controlling metal complex behavior.
These reactions are essential for advancing nickel- and copper-catalyzed transformations.