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Coordination Complexes quiz

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Terms in this set (15)

  • What is a coordination complex?
    A coordination complex is a neutral ionic compound consisting of a charged complex ion and a counter ion that balances the overall charge.
  • What is a complex ion in a coordination complex?
    A complex ion is a species made up of a central metal cation bonded to neutral molecules or anions called ligands.
  • What role does the metal cation play in a complex ion?
    The metal cation acts as an electron pair acceptor, making it a Lewis acid.
  • What are ligands and what role do they play?
    Ligands are neutral molecules or anions that donate electron pairs to the metal cation, acting as Lewis bases.
  • How is the overall neutrality of a coordination complex maintained?
    The overall neutrality is maintained by pairing the charged complex ion with counter ions of opposite charge.
  • What is the coordination number in a coordination complex?
    The coordination number is the number of ligand atoms bonded to the central metal cation.
  • What are the most common coordination numbers for transition metal complexes?
    The most common coordination numbers are 2, 4, and 6, with 6 being the most prevalent.
  • What geometry is associated with a coordination number of 2?
    A coordination number of 2 typically results in a linear geometry.
  • How does the electron configuration of the metal affect the geometry of a complex with coordination number 4?
    A d10 configuration (like zinc) leads to a tetrahedral geometry, while a d8 configuration (like nickel) leads to a square planar geometry.
  • What is a monodentate ligand?
    A monodentate ligand is a ligand that donates a lone pair from only one atom to the metal center.
  • What is a bidentate ligand and give an example?
    A bidentate ligand can donate lone pairs from two different atoms, such as ethylenediamine or oxalate ion.
  • What is a polydentate ligand and name a common example?
    A polydentate ligand can donate electron pairs from more than two atoms; EDTA is a common example.
  • What is the function of EDTA in food and household products?
    EDTA binds to trace metal ions, removing them from food and products, and acts as a preservative to prevent spoilage.
  • Why are coordination complexes often colored and paramagnetic?
    They are colored due to the presence of transition metals, and paramagnetic because the metal often has unpaired electrons.
  • What is the difference between a complex ion and a counter ion in a coordination complex?
    The complex ion contains the metal and ligands, while the counter ion balances the charge to make the overall compound neutral.