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What is a coordination compound?
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A coordination compound is a complex molecule consisting of a central metal atom bonded with neutral molecules or ions called ligands.
Provide the IUPAC name for [CrCl3(NH3)3].
Triamminetrichlorochromium(III).
What is the significance of the splitting energy Δ in CFT?
Splitting energy Δ indicates the energy difference between split d-orbitals in a metal complex, influencing the color and magnetic properties of the complex.
Define coordination number with an example.
Coordination number is the number of coordinate bonds formed with the central metal ion in a coordination compound. Example: In [Co(NH3)6]3+, the coordination number of Co is 6.
Explain the term 'ligand field strength'.
Ligand field strength refers to the ability of a ligand to split d-orbital energies in a central metal ion. Strong field ligands cause larger splitting than weak field ligands.
How does Crystal Field Theory (CFT) explain the color of coordination compounds?
Color arises due to d-d transitions where electrons absorb light energy to jump to a higher energy level. The specific wavelength absorbed results in the complementary color observed.
Why does VBT fail to explain the magnetic and color properties of coordination compounds?
VBT doesn't quantitatively account for electron transitions or the magnetic interactions within the d-orbitals, which are crucial for explaining these properties.
What role do coordination compounds play in biological systems?
Coordination compounds are essential in biological systems for their role in molecules like chlorophyll, hemoglobin, and vitamin B12, which are crucial for processes such as photosynthesis and oxygen transport.
Name the two types of valency proposed by Werner’s theory.
Primary valency (oxidation state) and secondary valency (coordination number).
Describe an octahedral splitting pattern in terms of orbital energy levels.
In an octahedral field, the d-orbitals split into two sets: eg (higher energy) and t2g (lower energy).
What information does the prefix 'tetra-' convey in the nomenclature of coordination compounds?
The prefix 'tetra-' indicates the presence of four identical ligands attached to the central metal ion.
Give an example of a coordination compound used in medicine.
Cisplatin, a coordination compound of platinum, is used in cancer treatment.
What is a polydentate ligand? Give an example.
A polydentate ligand is a ligand that can attach to the central metal atom at multiple points. Example: EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetate).
What assumption does Valence Bond Theory (VBT) make to explain bonding in coordination compounds?
VBT assumes that the metal ion’s valence orbitals hybridize to form coordinate bonds with the ligands.
Explain the difference between high spin and low spin complexes.
High spin complexes have weak field ligands causing small splitting and more unpaired electrons. Low spin complexes have strong field ligands causing large splitting and fewer unpaired electrons.
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